Reports are rife that Apple will ditch its 11-inch MacBook Air to pave way for the 15-inch MacBook Air 2016. Following the success of the 11-inch and 13-inch variants that were launched in 2015, fans expect the same or even better devices to be released sometime next month. Additionally, it is expected that minor updates and a more powerful central processing unit (CPU) will be incorporated in the thinner and lighter laptops.
While some reports suggested that the release date for the new MacBook Air 2016 would be in Q3 2016, Apple's financial quarter ending in June, other sources cited August 2016 as the on-sale date for the MacBook Air lineup, according to Tech Radar. The latter reports attribute to the Chinese supplier, Macotakara, having a close relationship with the Cupertino-based tech giant.
The sources however concur on one thing - the upcoming laptops will be significantly thinner and lighter than the current models, with cooling systems, new batteries, the USB Type-C port, and Intel's Skylake processor. According to a different report by the same publication, the 15-inch model, along with a new 13-inch laptop, will be unveiled at an Apple event next month, separate from the launch of iPhone 7 slated for September.
A thinner and lighter design for the next generation MacBook Air laptops will be a great inclusion for Apple, considering that the current models are as thin as 0.68 inches. Last year's 11-inch model weighs 2.83 pounds, while the 13-inch model weighs 2.96 pounds. According to the source, the elimination of the old ports, two USB 3 ports and a Thunderbolt 2 port, and the incorporation of the USB-C port will serve to reduce a few millimeters from the upcoming laptops.
It is also rumored that both laptops will sport Touch ID fingerprint recognition, Retina display, and an improved camera. The laptops are as well expected to feature Siri, which is the virtual personal assistant associated with iPhones.
The imminent MacBook Air laptops will have touch screen keyboards to replace the physical ones. When it comes to pricing, reports suggest that the high-end 15-inch model will cost $1120, while the 13-inch variant will go for $980.
Here is a sneak peek for further information on the upcoming MacBook Air 2016 laptops: