Apple to Update MacBook Pro and MacBook Air in June 2013 with New Processors, All Retina?

[MacRumors]

DigiTimes reports that Apple has signaled Taiwan-based suppliers that both the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air series will see revisions in June 2013. As noted by our buyers guide, this would put the updates in line within the expected timeframes.

DigiTimes' sources also reveal that the new MacBook Airs won't have any major external design changes, but will feature a "new processor platform":

The sources pointed out that the MacBook Air for 2013 will feature a new processor platform, but its industrial design will not see any major changes.

The paper also reports that Ultrabook manufacturers are concerned that Apple "is likely to reduce the prices for its existing MacBook Airs before the launch of the new models." Such a move, however, would be extremely unusual for Apple. Apple rarely changes the prices of existing models before they are revised. So, we're skeptical about that particular concern. With the iPad 2, Apple has retained an older product and lowered its price to make room for a new product, but that move would also be unusual for Apple's notebook line.

Apple's MacBook lineup plans for late 2012 and 2013 (Source: Ming-Chi Kuo/KGI Securities)

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had previously outlined his expectations for Apple's 2013 plans back in June. The predictions in the top-portion of the graph above have already come true. Kuo expects that the MacBook Pro will consolidate back into a single hardware line next year. The new MacBook line will also use Intel's new Haswell chips which are expected between March and June 2013.

Haswell will incorporate CPU performance boosts as well as double the performance of the integrated GPU. This added GPU performance would be helpful if Apple does standardize on Retina Displays across the entire MacBook line in 2013.

Article Link: Apple to Update MacBook Pro and MacBook Air in June 2013 with New Processors, All Retina?

[Hellhammer]

Makes sense. MBA will most likely not ship in June though, ULV Haswell chips are Q3'13.

[arn]

Originally Posted by Hellhammer

Makes sense. MBA will most likely not ship in June though, ULV Haswell chips are Q3'13.

hmm... my read of it was Haswell, but just to invoke a crazy theory -- "new processor platform" - something not intel?

arn

[japanime]

Originally Posted by arn

hmm... my read of it was Haswell, but just to invoke a crazy theory -- "new processor platform" - something not intel?

arn

That's how I read it, too. Perhaps Apple is close to introducing its own processor. If that happens, I think it would silence those who criticize Tim Cook as not being an innovative CEO.

[arn]

Originally Posted by japanime

That's how I read it, too. Perhaps Apple is close to introducing its own processor. If that happens, I think it would silence those who criticize Tim Cook as not being an innovative CEO.

well, I don't think Apple's going to be making x86 processors, so then you'd have to invoke an ARM MacBook Air.

arn

[ChristianJapan]

Originally Posted by arn

well, I don't think Apple's going to be making x86 processors, so then you'd have to invoke an ARM MacBook Air.

arn

One out-of-the-box idea:

Apple ask Intel to produce their new A* CPU instead of Samsung and make in addition a hybrid X86 and Apple-designed A* Core. This way they can still use high performance to drive retina screens, FCP X and Photoshop. On the other side for many cases a new power safe mode with ARM support only for simple email and surfing could increase runtime of battery.
Could be easier to realize in a two chip-design though.

Or nothing really happen and they just use Haswell ...

[xlii]

Originally Posted by arn

well, I don't think Apple's going to be making x86 processors, so then you'd have to invoke an ARM MacBook Air.

arn

Or AMD... I still think it will stay Intel based.

[Digitalclips]

Originally Posted by arn

well, I don't think Apple's going to be making x86 processors, so then you'd have to invoke an ARM MacBook Air.

arn

Is a dual CPU MBP a possible BTO option? An Apple and an Intel CPU. I guess size and heat are a problem these days but many of us still need to run VMs now and then.

Meanwhile I am still waiting/hoping to upgrade my 2010 i7 MBP to a new Mac Pro now I have iPad for portability.

----------

Originally Posted by KnightWRX

Sorry, but that 2nd sentence, just no...

Apple's external superdrive is grossly overpriced. However, you can find a number of 3rd party USB external drives that are both just as good and about half the price of Apple's.

I just stuck my own internal optical in an external case with dual USB and it cost next to nothing to do that. Then put a half TB SSD in the MBP 15" i7 and made it the start up drive with apps and OS leaving the spinner drive (a 1 TB 5400) as the data disk. It's a sweet set up. To be honest it made more difference to my Mac than any update I have ever done and I've owned almost every Mac since 1984 and upgraded most one way or another.

[gmanist1000]

Haswell should seriously help reduce the lag on the rMBP when viewing lots of high quality content. I experience it myself on my machine.

[CplBadboy]

A new processor for the MBA. ARM chips seem to be inbound if this is to be believed coupled with the rumours from earlier this year it remains to be seen but sure makes sense. Apple must be trying to nerf the MBA against the MBP as its a powerful little workhorse that must cannabalise potential sales of the MBP.

Ive played on a few up in my local Apple Store and it seems to run Aperture flawlessly. Its been nerfed over a few years now what with removing dedicated GPUs etc. It wouldnt surprise me if Apple totally pisses of its customers with turning it into a underpowered kiddies laptop for school.

[Monkeydude]

Originally Posted by gmanist1000

Haswell should seriously help reduce the lag on the rMBP when viewing lots of high quality content. I experience it myself on my machine.

That is exactly why a retina display on a machine without discrete graphics doesn't make sense in the first place. I would opt for the 15", but since it all the computers are glued shut meanwhile, I'll sit it out with my 13" early 2011 and overthink my digital future.

[Nightarchaon]

Originally Posted by japanime

That's how I read it, too. Perhaps Apple is close to introducing its own processor. If that happens, I think it would silence those who criticize Tim Cook as not being an innovative CEO.

Would this also mean a new OS, perhaps even iOS for desktops, removal of bootcamp (as its no longer intel chips) turning the macbook line into big iOS devices with keyboards attached ?

my fear is this seems to be where apple wants to go with its product lines..

i hope its going to be an Intel CPU/GPU and not a proprietary Axxx chipset, i like my Apple products, but all of them have been split 50/50 and Windows installed on them so i can actually use them for work and some gaming.

I use apples OS pretty much solely to handle my large iTunes library, emails and web browsing, and video editing. Gaming and work gets done via windoze (although my company has just struck a deal that means i can get office for mac for £8 which will help a lot.

[thekeyring]

Originally Posted by Nightarchaon

Would this also mean a new OS, perhaps even iOS for desktops, removal of bootcamp (as its no longer intel chips) turning the macbook line into big iOS devices with keyboards attached ?

my fear is this seems to be where apple wants to go with its product lines..

i hope its going to be an Intel CPU/GPU and not a proprietary Axxx chipset, i like my Apple products, but all of them have been split 50/50 and Windows installed on them so i can actually use them for work and some gaming.

I use apples OS pretty much solely to handle my large iTunes library, emails and web browsing, and video editing. Gaming and work gets done via windoze (although my company has just struck a deal that means i can get office for mac for £8 which will help a lot.

Tim Cook has already said iOS and OS X won't converge.

[AdonisSMU]

Originally Posted by Nightarchaon

Would this also mean a new OS, perhaps even iOS for desktops, removal of bootcamp (as its no longer intel chips) turning the macbook line into big iOS devices with keyboards attached ?

my fear is this seems to be where apple wants to go with its product lines..

i hope its going to be an Intel CPU/GPU and not a proprietary Axxx chipset, i like my Apple products, but all of them have been split 50/50 and Windows installed on them so i can actually use them for work and some gaming.

I use apples OS pretty much solely to handle my large iTunes library, emails and web browsing, and video editing. Gaming and work gets done via windoze (although my company has just struck a deal that means i can get office for mac for £8 which will help a lot.

Who uses windows for work? Its not even secure. I know for my job Windows isnt even considered serious for my profession....and if you mean to simply use some word processing, email, spreadsheet, and slide show type software any iPad can do that already....just sayin...

[KnightWRX]

Originally Posted by japanime

That's how I read it, too. Perhaps Apple is close to introducing its own processor. If that happens, I think it would silence those who criticize Tim Cook as not being an innovative CEO.

No current or planned ARM design rival Ivy Bridge, much less Haswell. Such a move might be innovative, but it'll sure hurt the performance of MacBook Airs. The 2012 models will be much faster performers.

Not to mention the compatibility with existing software.

An architecture move, and a split one accross the line-up (ARM MacBook Airs/ x86 MacBook Pros) would be a nightmare. Innovation be damned.

[MadTester]

Originally Posted by japanime

That's how I read it, too. Perhaps Apple is close to introducing its own processor. If that happens, I think it would silence those who criticize Tim Cook as not being an innovative CEO.

Well they've already done that with the iPhone? soooo I would hazard a guess at a MBP, MacMini, iMac processor based on the iPhone 5?

[Oletros]

Originally Posted by MadTester

Well they've already done that with the iPhone? soooo I would hazard a guess at a MBP, MacMini, iMac processor based on the iPhone 5?

And downgrade the performance to the iPhone 5 one?

[Toltepeceno]

Originally Posted by japanime

That's how I read it, too. Perhaps Apple is close to introducing its own processor. If that happens, I think it would silence those who criticize Tim Cook as not being an innovative CEO.

Actually it would probably be credited to Jobs setting it up before he died.

Hmm, should I wait till then to upgrade....if I wait until then I would probably have to see what is coming after that.

Just Kidding.

[flottenheimer]

Originally Posted by arn

hmm... my read of it was Haswell, but just to invoke a crazy theory -- "new processor platform" - something not intel?

arn

That would be horrible (a switch to, say, ARM-architecture).

I'm pretty sure it would ultimately result in massive delays for Mac versions of Intel software. Some vital software would completely disappear. Adobe? And the blossoming PC>Mac game industry would die once again.

We've been there before — through the PowerPC>Intel-switch. Please Apple, don't do it to us again. You did a remarkable transition last time, but this time it would be in the wrong direction.

[iLondoner]

With the iPad 2, Apple has retained an older product and lowered its price to make room for a new product, but that move would also be unusual for Apple's notebook line.

Apple needs to retain a low entry point, so (assuming retina entails a price increase) I'd suggest that at least one model of the non-retina MBA is retained.

[nick_elt]

Originally Posted by flottenheimer

That would be horrible (a switch to, say, ARM-architecture).

I'm pretty sure it would ultimately result in massive delays for Mac versions of Intel software. Some vital software would completely disappear. Adobe? And the blossoming PC>Mac game industry would die once again.

We've been there before — through the PowerPC>Intel-switch. Please Apple, don't do it to us again. You did a remarkable transition last time, but this time it would be in the wrong direction.

More apps sold in the mac app store = more $$$$ for apple. Sad but true.

[Michael Scrip]

Originally Posted by nick_elt

More apps sold in the mac app store = more $$$$ for apple. Sad but true.

That's true... in theory.

But the real truth is... Apple is, and has always been, a hardware company.

The money they make from apps and music pales in comparison to the money they make on hardware.

Less hardware = devastating loss of $$$$ for Apple.

[TC03]

I have serious doubts Apple will go 100% retina. Even though Apple has never been a pricefighter, they always aimed for a low-entry point in each product line. For example, the iPod mini/nano/shuffle, the iPad mini, the white MacBook, the 11" MacBook Air, the iPhone 4 (currently), the Mac Mini etc. I doubt they will sacrifice this, especially when there's no need.

Originally Posted by nick_elt

More apps sold in the mac app store = more $$$$ for apple. Sad but true.

Apple gets profit from hardware, not software. Apple is no Amazon, where hardware is sold at a discount to keep content alive, it's the other way around: the software and content is used to sell the hardware.

[The Tech Fish]

Originally Posted by nick_elt

More apps sold in the mac app store = more $$$$ for apple. Sad but true.

Not entirely - Whilst switching to ARM would mean that (in theory) all apps would go through the App store, if programs like Photoshop etc were not available, people would just switch to windows. Then apple arn't getting any money, either through the computer sales, or through the app store.

[Hellhammer]

Originally Posted by arn

hmm... my read of it was Haswell, but just to invoke a crazy theory -- "new processor platform" - something not intel?

arn

That would have to be ARM then. It's not impossible given the performance of Apple's A6 and ARM's Cortex A15 (quad core at high clocks might be able to match the current chips in MBAs, assuming performance scales linearly). My take is that the new platform is simply Haswell, though.