In spite of rumors that Apple still intends to upgrade the MacBook Air this 2016, recent actions and upcoming plans by the tech giant seem to indicate the contrary. The 12-inch MacBook, now available in two models, and the 2-in-1 iPad Pro appear in good position to replace the Air and more so the impending release of the MacBook Pro 2016.
Analysts have been saying, and leaked specs bumps as well, that the specs and feature upgrades packed by Apple with the new MacBook Pros will eventually kill the MacBook Air. With Intel Skylake and MacOS Sierra running the 2016 MBP show, the next-generation laptops will certainly overwhelm with power, speed and capabilities that will not be available to MacBook Air users.
And the new design and build of the upcoming MacBook Pros will serve as the deal breaker for MacBook Air fans. According to analyst Ming-chi Kuo, the 2016 MBPs will arrive boasting of an overhauled profile, resembling that of the 12-inch MacBooks. The Pro line will be slimmer and lighter than ever, Kuo said, adding that the MacBook Air is likely to be discontinued in the process.
Another device that will negate the need for MacBook Air is the iPad Pro, Mashable said in a report. "The new successor to the MacBook Air might just be the iPad Pro ... The iPad Pro is an interesting take on the future of computing," the publication added.
Paired with keyboard accessory and the Apple Pencil stylus, the iPad Pro (available in 12-inch and 9.7-inch screen sizes) indeed is a productivity tool that could convince MacBook Air fans to switch. And the availability of productivity apps should only add to the already solid argument that the MBA has seen its best of times.
Only months into existence, the same Mashable report claimed that "plenty of professionals use the iPad Pro as their primary machine."
So the likely scenario is Apple will stop upgrading the MacBook Air beginning this 2016 but will continue production of the device with focus on the bumps provided early this year, that is the 8GB RAM upgrade. This is so as the company still sees the need to have an entry-level option on its MacBook line.
Obviously, the 12-inch MacBook with a pricy tag of $1299 will not feel that need. Such role is now best suited for MacBook Air, which Mashable claimed will remain an Apple offering starting at $899.
As for the MacBook Pro 2016, the release date of which is likely to happen in the last quarter of the year, if the recent note from Kuo is to be believed. And that could mean that the earliest the device will hit market is October.