Add a 13" MBA starting at $899 to round things off at the bottom. Yes, I know, we all have that inner reflex thinking that Apple shouldn't offer products we are not interested in or don't see as aspirational.
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Updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro With USB-C May Still Be Unveiled in June
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…or who cannot afford the pricing point of the 15" MBP.
Kill the Air, keep 2 verticals of laptop Macs available as your hero products. Make the Air, and out of production models still for sale on some other page (refurb/old models). Apple is started to bloat their product line like when Sculley was in charge.
Just look at iPads. The Pro should've been set apart by it's industrial design. The Pro and the Air now look pretty much the same without the size to differentiate. Or even a different set of color (Pro colors) would've been enough. Macbook Air, and Macbook are sitting in the same realm. Iphone 6S, 6S+, SE, S, C. I'm an avid Apple follower, and usually can throw out Apple product facts pretty quickly, but as time goes on, I get a little confused, and think about what came out when, and what has a Retina Screen or not. Apple get your product lines, in line. If a Apple head like me is starting to get confused, you need to slim down on the information.
Just look at iPads. The Pro should've been set apart by it's industrial design. The Pro and the Air now look pretty much the same without the size to differentiate. Or even a different set of color (Pro colors) would've been enough. Macbook Air, and Macbook are sitting in the same realm. Iphone 6S, 6S+, SE, S, C. I'm an avid Apple follower, and usually can throw out Apple product facts pretty quickly, but as time goes on, I get a little confused, and think about what came out when, and what has a Retina Screen or not. Apple get your product lines, in line. If a Apple head like me is starting to get confused, you need to slim down on the information.
So how does Apple solve this problem? Release new models every six months? You cannot stop people from predicting things based an past patterns. Even if not perfectly true anymore, Intel releasing new processor generations every year translates that about six months after new Macs are released, people start speculating that there will be new Macs in six months time. And if Apple waits 15 instead of 12 months, people will be waiting 9 months.
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When in the last 15 years did Apple only had three laptop form factors? Not very often.
I don't think this report is all that confusing if you believe that it is more like a collection of hints and if you apply some logic in light of Apple's past and what we know of upcoming technological releases.
Things which I believe are clear:
(1) New rMBPs with a new form factor in line with the leaked chassis (4 USB-C ports, OLED function strip, TouchID), MIM hinges, and a Polaris dGPU for the highest end model will be released.
(2) Apple is planning to obsolete the cMBP and MBA. First the 11" when the new laptops are announced, then the 13" when TB3 can be carried through USB-C natively in the Kaby Lake chipset. For now, Apple will carry a 13" MBA as an "introductory" model. This will allow Apple to return to the simplicity of two lines of laptops--rMBs and new rMBPs.
(3) Apple is moving toward an all USB-C lineup--both on the rMBs and the new rMBPs.
(4) Apple will announce publicly its new rMBPs. WWDC as a "no-hardware event" may only mean that the new rMBPs are announced but not released. Such a drastic change will warrant a full press release.
(5) Apple will stagger the release of the 13" and 15" new rMBPs. Rumors point to a July release for the new 13" rMBP and an August/September release for the new 15" rMBP.
(6) Apple will refresh the rMB with Kaby Lake in the second half of 2016 and add another size. Just like Skylake, Intel is rolling out Kaby Lake processors over the course of a year, beginning with the Core-M used by Apple in the rMBs. This refresh will allow Apple to update USB-C in the rMB to Gen 2 (10Gbps) and/or include TB3 (40Gbps) which will be natively supported for the first time. (TB3 in Skylake requires an additional controller and was likely omitted from the rMB due to space considerations.)
Things which are unclear or unstated:
(1) Will Apple (ever) support eGPUs like the Razer?
(2) How many USB-C ports in the new MBPs will also carry TB3? I think only two.
(3) When will Apple discontinue the cMBP and rMBP? I believe this will happen when the new MBPs are announced--in June. This then will leave only one laptop--the MBA--with legacy ports as Apple marches onward. I think the reference to new MBAs in August are merely new MBPs redesigned to be like MBAs. Remember, Steve introduced the first MBA and stated, "This is the future of the Mac."
(4) Will the new laptops change the screen size? I would love to see 12" and 14" rMBs and 14" and 16" MBPs, but reports are 13" and 15" MBA (=MBP) models. It is likely rumors are stated this way in order to keep the hounds off the scent that a total revamp includes a revamp in size? IMO, possibly. Hopefully.
(5) Will Apple update the 13" MBA one last time before discontinuing it? I think not. A lack of an update keeps this "introductory" model profitable.
Things which are comical:
MR quotes Ming Chi Kuo as stating, "... MacBook will replace MacBook Air to become the medium-/ high-end model. As both MacBook Pro and MacBook have a thin and light form factor, there is no need to keep MacBook Air. For this reason, we predict no significant upgrade for MacBook Air going forward. Rather, it will serve as an entry-level model sold at low prices."
I am at a loss to explain any rumor which positions the rMB above the MBA in terms of specs, especially in light of the difference in CPUs. Such words from Kuo are comical. It seems the positioning is based not on computational power (function) but rather on body style (form). Classic Apple.
From Apple's perspective, users may select a laptop in the future based on their needs with only two lines: a low-end Core-M 12" rMB, a medium-low end Core-M 14" rMB (to be released in 2H 2016), a medium-high end 14" (or 13") nrMBP with i5/i7 and iGPU, and a high end 16" (or 15") nrMBP with i7 and dGPU.
I am most curious to see how Apple handles the screen size of the new MBPs. Will Apple stagger their lineup with 12"-14" rMBs and 13"-15" nrMBPs? Or will they consolidate their lineup with 12"-14" rMBs and 14"-16" nrMBPs? The latter could put a screen with the same resolution as a current 15" rMBP into a 14" chassis and reintroduce a 17" screen in a 16" chassis. One can only hope.
Things which I believe are clear:
(1) New rMBPs with a new form factor in line with the leaked chassis (4 USB-C ports, OLED function strip, TouchID), MIM hinges, and a Polaris dGPU for the highest end model will be released.
(2) Apple is planning to obsolete the cMBP and MBA. First the 11" when the new laptops are announced, then the 13" when TB3 can be carried through USB-C natively in the Kaby Lake chipset. For now, Apple will carry a 13" MBA as an "introductory" model. This will allow Apple to return to the simplicity of two lines of laptops--rMBs and new rMBPs.
(3) Apple is moving toward an all USB-C lineup--both on the rMBs and the new rMBPs.
(4) Apple will announce publicly its new rMBPs. WWDC as a "no-hardware event" may only mean that the new rMBPs are announced but not released. Such a drastic change will warrant a full press release.
(5) Apple will stagger the release of the 13" and 15" new rMBPs. Rumors point to a July release for the new 13" rMBP and an August/September release for the new 15" rMBP.
(6) Apple will refresh the rMB with Kaby Lake in the second half of 2016 and add another size. Just like Skylake, Intel is rolling out Kaby Lake processors over the course of a year, beginning with the Core-M used by Apple in the rMBs. This refresh will allow Apple to update USB-C in the rMB to Gen 2 (10Gbps) and/or include TB3 (40Gbps) which will be natively supported for the first time. (TB3 in Skylake requires an additional controller and was likely omitted from the rMB due to space considerations.)
Things which are unclear or unstated:
(1) Will Apple (ever) support eGPUs like the Razer?
(2) How many USB-C ports in the new MBPs will also carry TB3? I think only two.
(3) When will Apple discontinue the cMBP and rMBP? I believe this will happen when the new MBPs are announced--in June. This then will leave only one laptop--the MBA--with legacy ports as Apple marches onward. I think the reference to new MBAs in August are merely new MBPs redesigned to be like MBAs. Remember, Steve introduced the first MBA and stated, "This is the future of the Mac."
(4) Will the new laptops change the screen size? I would love to see 12" and 14" rMBs and 14" and 16" MBPs, but reports are 13" and 15" MBA (=MBP) models. It is likely rumors are stated this way in order to keep the hounds off the scent that a total revamp includes a revamp in size? IMO, possibly. Hopefully.
(5) Will Apple update the 13" MBA one last time before discontinuing it? I think not. A lack of an update keeps this "introductory" model profitable.
Things which are comical:
MR quotes Ming Chi Kuo as stating, "... MacBook will replace MacBook Air to become the medium-/ high-end model. As both MacBook Pro and MacBook have a thin and light form factor, there is no need to keep MacBook Air. For this reason, we predict no significant upgrade for MacBook Air going forward. Rather, it will serve as an entry-level model sold at low prices."
I am at a loss to explain any rumor which positions the rMB above the MBA in terms of specs, especially in light of the difference in CPUs. Such words from Kuo are comical. It seems the positioning is based not on computational power (function) but rather on body style (form). Classic Apple.
From Apple's perspective, users may select a laptop in the future based on their needs with only two lines: a low-end Core-M 12" rMB, a medium-low end Core-M 14" rMB (to be released in 2H 2016), a medium-high end 14" (or 13") nrMBP with i5/i7 and iGPU, and a high end 16" (or 15") nrMBP with i7 and dGPU.
I am most curious to see how Apple handles the screen size of the new MBPs. Will Apple stagger their lineup with 12"-14" rMBs and 13"-15" nrMBPs? Or will they consolidate their lineup with 12"-14" rMBs and 14"-16" nrMBPs? The latter could put a screen with the same resolution as a current 15" rMBP into a 14" chassis and reintroduce a 17" screen in a 16" chassis. One can only hope.
None of which we (Pros) need. How about a thicker and heavier form factor, faster processor, faster GPU, more storage, and more ports including HDMI.
Question is, why doesn't Apple manage to lower the price of the 12" MB to $1000 yet? It's basically a iPad Pro with attached keyboard and trackpad. If they'd manage, they could introduce a 14" MB and scrape the MBA all together. Until then they are stuck with keeping a model around for much longer than planned.
Yes, this is a total mess based on your completely imaginary scenario.
The whining has gotten to the point that people are now making up random situations and complaining about it.
Who say I'm not the audience? Likewise same goes with you. You wouldn't be the target that Apple would go for.
No, but I assume Apple is starting to feel the need for a MBP significant refresh, and would prefer not to keep the MBP line stale for another 3+ months (as they already need to keep the MBA stale, and don't seem to be able to introduce a 14" MBA at a reasonable price point).
I dont do much except remote administration on my macbook. For me the 12 inch is fine, but I totally agree that 13 is a sweet spot. I had a 13 inch MBA and really wish it would have had a retina display.
And soon there will be a rumour that there will be no updates announced at WWDC
How have they confused everyone? They haven't said anything. Did you think that this was an official announcement?
What would make sort-of sense would be:
12" MacBook
13" MacBook Air (similar specs to the current 13" rMBP)
15" MacBook Pro ("Pro" because quad core and discrete GPU option)
...although thats less likely following the launch of the 9.8" iPad Pro
One thing that is for sure - the WWDC keynote script will be locked up tighter than the recipe for Coke and nobody who knows is saying.
Here's the logic:
Battery life has improved a lot since MagSafe was conceived. When you charge at your work desk or overnight, you should be able to route the wire safely. Now the battery lasts all day, those occasions where you had to drape the wire precariously across the floor in the middle of a meeting to get a precious top-up should be a thing of the past. On the other hand, when you are at the desk, you can just attach a single USB-C cable to a dock and hook up your display, backup drive, mouse, printer etc. and recharge - and, without MagSafe, the dock doesn't have to be an Apple one.
...and if you think that a watch or phone that needs re-charging every night without fail is any more use than an inflatable dartboard, how can you disagree?
The actual conference with its developer sessions, no. The CEO's keynote speech at the start of the conference, though, has long been a media circus.
The obvious problem with the WWDC keynote as a product launch, though, is that the conference date is probably set so long in advance, and constrained by so many factors that it's not a good basis for your product development cycle. I'm guessing a major factor in what gets launched is "what's ready?"
They've clearly confused the rumor mill, or there wouldn't be so much conflicting information. Did you think Macrumors was an official Apple site?
Media Access Control layer in computer networks.
You realize WWDC stands for World Wide Developer Conference and it is a conference intended for Developers. Apple started streaming the Keynote since that is where Apple unveils features of upcoming software which some of the general population was interested in. The focus of WWDC has always been software and what developers can do with the new software. You just think it should be scrapped because it isn't exciting to you...
All i can see ...
Only usb c ports in macbooks, means lightening to usb c chargers with iphones , means faster charging for iphone 7.
Expecting touch id on macbooks, yes touch id is necessary.
3D/Force touch in macbook
3D touch in iphone 6s
No 3D touch in ipads (bcoz big size)
No 3D touch in iphone SE (bcoz low cost)
If we get 3D touch in macbook pro (trackpad size is same and product is flagship), sure there is something for future. Why app developers are not using it properly ?
Touch bar instead of function keys ? Yes it needs to be 3D touch. Whats the point of holding fn key when you can have 2 features within it.
No magsafe ? Macbook should also have faster charging options.
Now come to headphone jack. If they really want to get rid of it, there will be no headphone jack in macbook pro. Or there will be one in iphone too.
How can be a pro model of an expensive laptop have analog sound and a phone of same company have dogital sound ?
And no compatibility ? Means you can't connect your apple headphones to apple product ?? Same goes for usb ports. If they are providing usb c in Macs, they cant give usb A cables. And even after providing usb c cable, they can't ignore faster charging which is very useful for iphone.
Only usb c ports in macbooks, means lightening to usb c chargers with iphones , means faster charging for iphone 7.
Expecting touch id on macbooks, yes touch id is necessary.
3D/Force touch in macbook
3D touch in iphone 6s
No 3D touch in ipads (bcoz big size)
No 3D touch in iphone SE (bcoz low cost)
If we get 3D touch in macbook pro (trackpad size is same and product is flagship), sure there is something for future. Why app developers are not using it properly ?
Touch bar instead of function keys ? Yes it needs to be 3D touch. Whats the point of holding fn key when you can have 2 features within it.
No magsafe ? Macbook should also have faster charging options.
Now come to headphone jack. If they really want to get rid of it, there will be no headphone jack in macbook pro. Or there will be one in iphone too.
How can be a pro model of an expensive laptop have analog sound and a phone of same company have dogital sound ?
And no compatibility ? Means you can't connect your apple headphones to apple product ?? Same goes for usb ports. If they are providing usb c in Macs, they cant give usb A cables. And even after providing usb c cable, they can't ignore faster charging which is very useful for iphone.
Apple has done a great job keeping their secrecy. These rumors are all over the place.
I have a later 2011 MBP and an waiting patiently for a MBP update. Going over a year without an update as well as staying behind the competition wrt Skylake is unacceptable in my opinion.
I have a later 2011 MBP and an waiting patiently for a MBP update. Going over a year without an update as well as staying behind the competition wrt Skylake is unacceptable in my opinion.
Except the Macbook Air has historically been their best selling model (and possibly still is). Unless they introduce a Macbook at a similar price point to the MBA then it still has a reason to exist.