Apple 12-inch MacBook 2016 in the works; will it replace the MacBook Air? [release date, specs, features, price, rumors]
A new 12-inch MacBook is reportedly in the works. Sources indicate that the 12in. MacBook 2016 with Retina display may replace the Air.
Mac World says it has been eight years since the first MacBook Air was first launched. At the time, it was praised for being incredibly thin and light. The existing MacBook is better in both aspects which led some to speculate that Apple may be shelving this line soon.
According to Economic Daily News, the Cupertino company is planning to renew the design of their 13-inch and 15-inch models. With no mention of launching an 11-inch version, it is possible that the 12-inch MacBook may be the smallest in the lineup.
The Taiwan-based publication speculates that the company will make the official announcement during the Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2016.
Mac Rumors states that the company is already in talks with suppliers that can provide the parts needed for the new MacBook.
Earlier this year, Apple had broadened its line of notebooks with the release of the 12-inch MacBook. Food World News says this ultrathin fanless laptop featured a low-voltage Intel processor with Retina display.
In addition, Mac World reports that the 2015 MacBook also features a Force Touch Trackpad and only measures 13.1mm thick, making it thinner by 24 percent as compared to the MacBook Air. Consumers can choose between three chassis colors: Gold, Silver and Space Gray.
Surprisingly, Apple has included fewer ports on the new MacBook notebook. It now only has a single USB C port and a jack for headphones.
Users can plug in Display Port 1.2, USB 3.1 or HDMI and VGA capable devices into the Type C port. However, as the MacBook only features one port, users will need to use a USB hub if they wish to plug more devices at the same time.
These features from the 2015 MacBook will likely be carried over to next year's 12-inch MacBook. There is still some contention regarding the processor.
The source says that the MacBook 2016 unit will either feature an Intel 14nm Core M or an A10x. This year's MacBook runs on a Core M processor but Patently Apple reports that a switch to the more powerful A10x would make the 2016 Mac notebook as robust as a workstation PC.
There is no confirmation in terms of pricing as of the time of this writing.
Are you looking forward to buying the 12-inch MacBook next year? Let us know in the comments below.