Skylake Mac Notebooks May See Staggered Launch in 2016, Led by MacBook and 13" MacBook Pro

[MacRumors]

Apple is expected to refresh its MacBook lineup in 2016 with Intel's faster Skylake processors and Thunderbolt 3 with USB-C, and supply chain sources now indicate the updated notebooks may see a staggered launch throughout the year.

The company's manufacturing partners are expected to start producing new 12-inch MacBook and 13-inch MacBook Pro models around late March or early April, followed by 15-inch MacBook Pro models in the third quarter, according to the sometimes-reliable Taiwanese website DigiTimes.

If accurate, new 12-inch MacBook and 13-inch MacBook Pro models could debut at Apple's rumored March media event, alongside the new 4-inch iPhone, iPad Air 3, and Apple Watch updates, or at WWDC, likely scheduled for mid-June. Smaller updates could also be announced at any time via press release.

The larger 15-inch MacBook Pro may not be launched until after WWDC, however, as the third quarter translates to between July and September. While that seems questionable, Apple may elect to announce a new 15-inch MacBook Pro at WWDC and begin shipping the notebook later in the year.

Last year, Apple refreshed the 13-inch MacBook Pro in March, but its 15-inch sibling was not updated until May. For this reason, the 13-inch model is classified as Early 2015, and the 15-inch model is Mid 2015. Both notebooks received Force Touch trackpads, faster flash storage, longer battery life, and improved graphics.

The Early 2015 13-inch MacBook Pro is based on Intel's newer Broadwell chip architecture, while the 15-inch model still has older Haswell architecture. Since then, Intel has announced Skylake chips appropriate for the 13-inch MacBook Pro in September and 15-inch MacBook Pro earlier this week.

Given that Skylake chips have been announced for both the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro, there does not appear to be any reason for Apple to stagger the release of its notebooks this year. But, perhaps in line with its 2015 release cycle, Apple may plan to give the current 15-inch MacBook Pro a longer shelf life before replacing it.

Intel also announced Skylake chips appropriate for the 12-inch MacBook and MacBook Airs throughout 2015, so it is likely we will see Mac updates across the board over the coming months. The report also claims a new iMac will be released in 2016, but an update is unlikely until later in the year.

Article Link: Skylake Mac Notebooks May See Staggered Launch in 2016, Led by MacBook and 13" MacBook Pro

 

[Dydegu]

I can't take the suspense anymore.

 

[navaira]

Note the company's manufacturing partners are expected to start producing Macbook Air never.

 

[BeSweeet]

So, by the time the 15" rMBP is out, we'll have 7th-gen Intel CPUs... Behind like usual.

 

[Mums]

I just realized that Apple news is like a boiling frog: it used to be good - now we're soup.

 

[Rogifan]

So, by the time the 15" rMBP is out, we'll have 7th-gen Intel CPUs... Behind like usual.

Considering all the problems Microsoft seems to be having with their Surface line Apple being behind might not be a bad thing if it means a more stable product when launched. And let's not forget according to Intel, Skylake was designed specifically for Windows 10.

https://www.thurrott.com/mobile/microsoft-surface/64095/welcome-to-surfacegate

 

[rudychidiac]

I need to upgrade from my 2010 Macbook Pro ASAP for work, and I'm not sure if I should wait for the next version or not.

 

[sunapple]

Great, I can start figuring out when to sell my current 15" 2014 model, what to buy in the meantime and if I'll be able to wait on the new model from there.

Maybe selling before WWDC, buying a second-hand iMac, waiting until august on the new model (could be delayed until november though).

It's all about the value, 'bout the value, much trouble.

 

[Orlandoech]

I need to upgrade from my 2010 Macbook Pro ASAP for work, and I'm not sure if I should wait for the next version or not.

Keep waiting, always keep waiting as the newer model is just around the corner. When you think you want to buy, wait longer, just keep waiting.

 

[Pelea]

Can't be bothered waiting anymore, bought a spectre x360 and it's great

 

[Orlandoech]

So, by the time the 15" rMBP is out, we'll have 7th-gen Intel CPUs... Behind like usual.

They're too busy trying to catch up with the iPhone and iPad displays being up-to-date lol.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

So, by the time the 15" rMBP is out, we'll have 7th-gen Intel CPUs... Behind like usual.

Heh. You know the irony here is that Apple's stated reason for jumping to Intel was because Motorola was always late with it's chips and "current" selling Macs became stale. Even still if we finally get a MBP w/ TB3 and USB-C I'm all in.

 

[SSD-GUY]

Retina MacBook Air. My body is ready.

 

[Nismo73]

#Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

[Michaelgtrusa]

I'm beginning to wonder since Apple insist on using older hardware if that often hold Intel and other vender back.

 

[rwarren1]

I hope the 15" MBPr is release before the end of May. Would like to upgrade my 2010 15" MBP before the end of our fiscal year.

 

[whidbeyben]

Oh puh-leeze add a second USB-C port to the Mackbook!

 

[yinz]

Really, really want, but already have a working computer.

TB3 and external graphics... yum.

 

[elvislives]

Hope the update the pro case colors to!

 

[wizard]

I kinda doubt Apple would want to stagger the launch and frankly I suspect they are really excited about the possibility of releasing a really decent 15" MBP after getting screwed over by Intel. The only reason I could see Apple staggering releases is if Intel can't supply the chips in a high enough volume. Considering how Intel has screwed up with its 14nm processes this could be a very real possibility.

In any event the thought of a major upgrade is really exciting. We should see faster ports, faster Intel hardware, faster RAM and maybe just maybe a top end 15" with a major GPU upgrade. About that GPU, an AMD chip with HBM would be awesome in a 15" MBP. Reaching for the sky with that GPU but the thought of a major discrete GPU upgrade has to be enticing to many people. The improved GPUs at the low end won't be that bad either as Intel is do well improving its integrated GPU,s I just see lots of potential in the discrete GOU area right now.

 

[oneMadRssn]

The rMB can keep it's one USB-C port, but I will not buy it until they have a dedicated charging-only port, which would ideally be MagSafe2. I don't want to hear the bull that there isn't enough space - there is.

 

[PackFan]

I think the 15" Macbook Pro could use more than just an internal refresh. Maybe a slightly new form factor or material? Otherwise - my 2012 retina MBP is still doing quite well.

 

[sakabaro]

No rumors of a 14"?

Anyway, does someone knows how the new skylake for the 12" will compare to the current generation?

 

[tkukoc]

The rMB can keep it's one USB-C port, but I will not buy it until they have a dedicated charging-only port, which would ideally be MagSafe2. I don't want to hear the bull that there isn't enough space - there is.

I thought the same thing but purchased it anyway, the adapter attached to charge and use USB works just fine. A minor pain in the butt but really I love how portable it is, does video editing (4K!) and photo editing perfectly.

 

[wizard]

I need to upgrade from my 2010 Macbook Pro ASAP for work, and I'm not sure if I should wait for the next version or not.

Yes wait! Your 2010 isn't that old, just tough it out for awhile longer. This new machine should introduce a whole new generation of hardware that will remain viable for a very long time. If you buy today you effectively get 3 year old hardware.