MacBook Air 2016 Release Earlier As 13-Inch, 15-Inch Models Already In The Works?

Rumors claimed that MacBook Air 2016 release may happen earlier than expected as the 13-inch and 15-inch models are on the works.

A report from Macworld UK claimed that MacBook Air 2016 release is slated in June or later. Apple is alleged to be making the 13-inch and 15-inch versions of the device, while dropping the smaller 11-inch model.

Some of the probable reasons why the model is discontinued are due to the fact that iPad Pro and 12-inch MacBook exists and the three devices are competing for the same target market.  

The rumored release date coincides with the report from Chinese publication Economic Daily News, which stated that Apple will bring "significant update" to the MacBook Air next year. One of the most anticipated updates to be made in Apple's upcoming laptop is the upgrade to a Retina display, which is a standard feature in most Apple devices.

However, not everyone is convinced that the new MacBook Air will arrive in summer. According to Jan Dawson, chief analyst at Jackdaw Research, it may not be long before Apple will discontinue the line.

"This wasn't the MacBook Air, but instead leaped past the Air. The kept [the MacBook Air] around just as they do with older iPhones, but the MacBook is now in the same position as the newest iPhone. That makes me wonder if the Air will go away over time," Dawson told Macworld in another report.

Meanwhile, some of the purported features of the MacBook Air 2016 are 13-inch and 15-inch screen displays, Intel Skylake-U chipset, OS X El Capitan, Type-C USB port, and an improved battery life. The laptops will most likely be equipped with Force Touch technology. The MacBook Air will be even thinner than last time. None of these features are confirmed by Apple.