Hardware-Free WWDC Sets Stage for Busy Second Half of 2016

[MacRumors]

In the weeks leading up to WWDC 2016, multiple reliable sources indicated the opening keynote would be a no-hardware affair. And as it turned out, the focus of the event was unsurprisingly on software, including iOS 10, macOS Sierra, tvOS 10, and watchOS 3. So, when can we expect new Apple hardware?

Many products were at some point rumored to have a possible connection with WWDC 2016, including the next-generation Apple Watch, MacBook Pro, and Thunderbolt Display. Those that have been following rumors consistently, however, will know that the most of the products are actually expected in the second half of 2016.

The following roundup serves as a refresher of rumors we have heard up until this point.

Macs

Apple last updated the 13-inch MacBook Pro in March 2015, followed by the 15-inch model in May 2015, with Force Touch trackpads, faster flash storage, longer battery life, and improved graphics. As our Mac Buyer's Guide indicates, that was around 400 days ago, leading many to believe that a refresh is overdue.

Prospective buyers were hopeful that Apple would surprise with a new MacBook Pro at WWDC 2016, despite the keynote being billed as a no-hardware affair, but the comapny delivered upon expectations and focused on software announcements only. So, when will the 2016 MacBook Pro be released?

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Article Link: Hardware-Free WWDC Sets Stage for Busy Second Half of 2016

 

[NutsNGum]

Hah! Heard that one before.

 

[Glassed Silver]

Wow, that company used to care about computers, now it seems like Mac is an absolute afterthought...
A "hobby" to put it in Cook terms.

Glassed Silver:mac

 

[nagromme]

Wanted: Apple Watch 2.

Not Wanted: Nostril Cam.

 

[foobarbaz]

Way to phrase it optimistically…

Instead of "the economy is down" you can also say "the economy has more room to improve than ever".

 

[Keniutek]

Not holding my breath. It's clear Apple doesn't realy care about their computer line.

 

[dalthicks]

Given how the past few events have gone, I'm not getting my hopes up...

 

[loby]

mac pro...probably 2017. It really came out in January 2014. That would make a 3 year cycle.

 

[tomnavratil]

I guess many of us are in a phase where even if a very few of these rumours are turned into real products, it would be great! WWDC have been truly disappointing so there are many reasons to be sceptical.

 

[Dave245]

I think the iPhone 7 and new Apple Watch will launch alongside each other in September, new Macbook Pro's will probably follow in an October event especially if they plan on updating the whole Mac range, they could hold a special Mac event in October.

 

[newdeal]

I honestly have been waiting with my wallet ready for a year to replace my 2013 macbook air but thus far Apple hasn't released anything compelling enough for me to want to switch because I love my 2013 air but I wish it had a better screen (not even higher resolution just better colours and IPS with a thinner bezel) and also I would love even longer battery life. The macbook doesn't do it for me, battery life is worse than the air and only one port. Macbook pro doesn't do it for me either, thicker, heavier, more power than I need, and worse battery life. Many times I have considered switching back to windows but unfortunately I am very wary because every windows laptop I have used in the past has had a really bad touchpad

 

[Dave245]

Not holding my breath. It's clear Apple doesn't realy care about their computer line.

Or they are working on it and don't want to rush out a product line before it's finished. Patience is going to be a virtue here as frustrating as it is, id rather have a new Macbook Pro announced when ready than have one rushed out.

 

[alexandero]

It's time for updating the MacBook Pro series – the MBP is >400 days old (and it's case has the exterior of 2008), and the MBA is on its way out. Hard times for everyone who's not interested in a 12" MacBook. What a disappointing year it has been so far.

 

[gramtrax]

Got a Dell catalog in the mail last night showcasing their latest laptops. They look really nice! Right next to it, they say "Will make any MacBook Pro user jealous" and well, they are spot on. My 2013 MBPR is still just as fast as the current model?? This is crazy. Apple's software bugginess reminds me of Windows anyway, so I could save some money and switch to a Windows machine.

Oh, and the Dells are almost half the price! Add in a 5K Dell display and it's still cheaper. Wow, so sad Apple. I guess once management gets money and some fame, they have no drive to do better than "average".

 

[doelcm82]

It's time for updating the MacBook Pro series – the MBP is >400 days old (and it's case has the exterior of 2008), and the MBA is on its way out. Hard times for everyone who's not interested in a 12" MacBook. What a disappointing year it has been so far.

Whether it's ready or not? You want fins on it? Deep Blue? They could probably do that in a few days.

 

[keysofanxiety]

I really think it's time they do a serious hardware upgrade to the MacBook Pro, and fall into a consistent silent hardware upgrade cycle every 6-9 months. My 15" 2012 MBP has an NVIDIA 650M. 4 years later, I can pay the same price I did back then, which will get me a 15" rMBP with integrated graphics. This has practically identical graphics performance due to no dGPU.

This just should not be the case, especially in a Pro machine that costs so much. Graphics power in the last 4 years has made even more leaps than CPU performance. You wouldn't think that's the case with the machines Apple are selling, and it's so odd they'd skimp on GPUs whilst pushing OpenGL/Metal in the newer OS X iterations.

 

[Oppenheim]

Apple should spin out their Mac OS and Mac hardware business.

Re-name Macs to "Woz".

We need a CEO who understands and respects Mac. Not someone who takes it for granted.
[doublepost=1466084304][/doublepost]Apple could make a fortune on the back-to-school Mac market.

 

[FoxHoundADAM]

There won't be a major watch physical design update until 2017? Two years on first gen design, maybe they really do think they nailed just putting a square screen on your wrist.

 

[mrapplecored]

My wallet is also ready to buy a new Skylake MacBook Pro... but nothing. Apple has really put any device that is not iOS based as a secondary thought (hobby!). Shame, Apple has almost forgotten the Mac customers in the rush to make the next iPhone.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

New hardware in 2nd half is a given. Question is will the inevitable "events" be busy or busy-work. Busy or just BS. Apple has been wading in B grade updates for a couple years. Time to hit the A-level again.

 

[soccerjoshj07]

What the hell do I recommend to a college student looking to buy a Mac? Hard to recommend a 3 year old macbook pro...

 

[hiddenmarkov]

Usually developer conferences are for developers....its more about code and applications. Hardware reveals if it ties to that maybe.

My disappointment about this conference is apple's best reveal never even made it to the stage. the prospect of an OS changed down to its very core....would have rated center stage at this wwdc if I ran the show.

 

[MH01]

So basically the entire hardware lineup is due for updates. Question is how many will be pushed into 2017 and which are discontinued

 

[Dilster3k]

Bring justice to the iPhone, Apple Watch & the entire Mac line-up whilst introducing stuff like the Thunderbolt display with one keynote left this entire year? Doubt it.

 

[peterh988]

Hope its soon, desperate for a MBP.

On a side note, what happened to the "Yup" guy (Jim somebody)? He doesn't get mentioned anymore.