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What to Expect in the Third Generation MacBook
- Thread starter Hellhammer
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NOT the Kaby Lake Y-series mobile processors. This has been covered ad nauseam. No TB3 support in 2017 unless Apple can find a way to wedge in that Alpine Ridge controller, unfortunately.
I'm still on the original rMB with the BTO 1.3Ghz Core M Broadwell processor. I see no reason to upgrade until TB3 support comes. (Even that is a bit psychological, what am I going to be doing with an rMB that my workflow would really benefit from TB3?)
Repeating others probably but what we can most likely expect are:
- Kaby Lake m3, Yi5, Yi7 processor options
- 16GB RAM option
- New wide gamut display
- Faster SSD with 1TB option
- 2nd generation butterfly keyboard
- Slightly improved battery life claims
- Base model price reduction
Disagree wholeheartedly with the Lightning port discussion. Lightning will never leave the iDevice realm. There is more a chance of Lightning being dropped in favour of USB-C on iDevices than there is of Lightning coming to any model of MacBook.
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I think your dead on. I'm sure Apple is going to lower the prices on the MacBook this year. I'm wondering if they're going to do it on release of the new ones or wait until later in the year when they update the MacBook Pros, and then lower prices on the entire lineup. I believe this is what they did in the past. That way you're still choosing between the mid tier MacBook or jump up to base MacBook Pro.
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Query here.. I got CoreM3 1.1 GHz last weekend in BestBuy Sale for 920 dollars..
My usage: Basic tasks, Browsing in Safari 10 tabs, some photo edits, watching movies hd. I dont render videos.
Its performance is fine.. Should I return it and wait for new gen Macbook.. Do you think Kaby lake would be miles better? Hows the upgrade factor for this macbook regards to next Mac OSes. Will it serve me 5 years atleast? My MBP 13 2010 lasted 6 years!
Idk about 5 years. I can see the M3 feeling considerable slower after 3yrs of OS updates and constant re writing to the smaller SSD. I picked up the M5/512GB MacBook open box at Best Buy for $1127. I'm going to return the one I have because now that I have it side by side with the new non touch MacBook Pro (wife's new laptop). The updated screen and brightness might be worth the wait. When using the laptop with a window behind me the MacBook Pro screen is much brighter and easier to see during the day. I actually bought them both for her to decide on which one to keep and return the other. After using the MacBook I was considering keeping it for myself since it was a great deal but after comparing the screens I think that's enough for me to wait for the new ones. Hopefully they come with a price drop and then I think it will totally be worth it. FYI the M5 feels just as quick as the MBP when just using safari, Spotify and/or playing videos. Once I added Lightroom and photoshop on a second and third desktop it started to slow down but overall I was very impressed with M5.
You are right about the difference in quality of screens.. new MBPs have the best ones.. macbook 12 may be updated to those screens.. and yes i have returned it.. for more or less the same reasons.. space gray also got boring..
I would take m5 with updated screen or base MBP non-touch !!
If it was me personally, I would return it and wait until the end of may. If they don't update it by then only then would I personally get the 2016 model. I expect some type of refresh in the spring. If your mbp can make it a few more months I think the wait will be worth it. Those few months will be worth maybe a year or so as far as it being more future proof.Query here.. I got CoreM3 1.1 GHz last weekend in BestBuy Sale for 920 dollars..
My usage: Basic tasks, Browsing in Safari 10 tabs, some photo edits, watching movies hd. I dont render videos.
Its performance is fine.. Should I return it and wait for new gen Macbook.. Do you think Kaby lake would be miles better? Hows the upgrade factor for this macbook regards to next Mac OSes. Will it serve me 5 years atleast? My MBP 13 2010 lasted 6 years!
Yeah returned it.. MBP still shines in daily tasks.. have upgraded to SSD and 8GB RAM! Only the processor(core2duo) is the bottleneck and 1280*800 screen.. would be completing 7 years in Spring
I would be upgrading for the portability and damn good screen (retina resolution, gamut, contrast). I hope they update macbook's screen like that of new Retina MBPs.. If they didnt do it I would take base non-touch MBP ( better for future proofing).
Now Apple give us a beast Macbook!!
For future macbooks I think apple is targeting a 4096-by-2304 external display plus the internal display, both at 60Hz with a P3 gamut. Basically that's running a 21" imac or LG UltraFine size display and the macbook display together.
Does the Kaby Lake chip with 615 graphics even have the power for this, or would the 2017 upgrade compromise with lower gamut or refresh rate?
It seems like kaby lake is a pretty minor upgrade to these machines, I just hope the next version can properly use the LG 4K display.
Does the Kaby Lake chip with 615 graphics even have the power for this, or would the 2017 upgrade compromise with lower gamut or refresh rate?
It seems like kaby lake is a pretty minor upgrade to these machines, I just hope the next version can properly use the LG 4K display.
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Can someone give me a quick overview of what improvements the early 2016 model boasts over the original? What about all the battery issues everyone is always talking about? Is that really a cause for concern?
There's a 2016 MacBook on Craigslist for $700 that I'm tempted to pick up as a backup device to use when traveling.
Alternatively, I could get an iPad Air 2 for around $400 but really I prefer a physical keyboard and the form factor of a notebook. I'm curious to see what the new iPad Pros bring but even if they are better they'll still be a tablets likely running iOS.
There's a 2016 MacBook on Craigslist for $700 that I'm tempted to pick up as a backup device to use when traveling.
Alternatively, I could get an iPad Air 2 for around $400 but really I prefer a physical keyboard and the form factor of a notebook. I'm curious to see what the new iPad Pros bring but even if they are better they'll still be a tablets likely running iOS.
This is from my own personal experience comparing a past 1.1GHz 2015 model and a 1.3GHz 2016 model:
1) Faster processing performance overall. Not sure how much of that is due to the SSD, or the CPU being of a higher tier, but 2016 model sure does feel a good deal faster and more responsive in day to day, general use. It actually approaches my rMBP 15", much to my surprise. Simulators (iOS Simulator in Xcode specifically, and the Android emulator) as well as my VMs do not approach the responsiveness of the 15" computer for sure, but I'm getting 50 - 75% the performance, whereas with the 2015 model, they were practically unusable. I couldn't even wait until the iOS Simulator launches on the 2015 model. Seriously, it's that slow. On the 2016 model, it takes anywhere from 5-10 seconds to get ready and show something, but that's already 10 to 20 times faster than the 2015 model. No joke.
2) Faster graphics performance, so now a 4K display is "stomachable" and is actually not a horrible experience. It's actually somewhat on par with my old 24" iMac. The 2015 model was borderline on unusable as things took a bit more time to respond even for normal things like switching windows or dragging stuffs around and so on. The 2016 model can actually function as a fanless computer driving a 4K display. That's quite some engineering feat. 4K videos still give some browsers a hard time (oh, I'm looking at Chrome), but Safari plows through everything like a champ. Except for the "switch to full screen" animation still being a little choppy running at 4K, everything else is relatively smooth.
3) I get 7-8 hours of battery life with 2016, whereas I got barely 5-6 with the 2015 before. In practical use, I'd say... I charge the MacBook less than I did before. The charger feels like it stays in the bag a little longer, but... that's about it. I was able to make do with 4-5 hours on my rMBP 15" from 2012, so anything above that isn't very noticeable to me personally. Maybe I just don't stay too far away from an outlet, but the extra battery life is indeed welcome because there are times I leave the MacBook running a process (like compiling a big project) with its lid closed in my bag.
4) I notice the MacBook gets hot a little less often now. The 2015 model used to get a bit toasty. Not really untouchable like my 15", but still quite warm in use. The 2016 model stays cold, and only gets mildly above my body temperature when driving a 4K display. It doesn't even get that hot when I have it compiling/processing things with the lid closed in my bag, whereas the 2015 will get pretty toasty doing the same thing. For that one specific task, I think the 2016 wins hands down even against my 15" rMBP.
Those are the major differences. I can't really tell beyond that.
1) Faster processing performance overall. Not sure how much of that is due to the SSD, or the CPU being of a higher tier, but 2016 model sure does feel a good deal faster and more responsive in day to day, general use. It actually approaches my rMBP 15", much to my surprise. Simulators (iOS Simulator in Xcode specifically, and the Android emulator) as well as my VMs do not approach the responsiveness of the 15" computer for sure, but I'm getting 50 - 75% the performance, whereas with the 2015 model, they were practically unusable. I couldn't even wait until the iOS Simulator launches on the 2015 model. Seriously, it's that slow. On the 2016 model, it takes anywhere from 5-10 seconds to get ready and show something, but that's already 10 to 20 times faster than the 2015 model. No joke.
2) Faster graphics performance, so now a 4K display is "stomachable" and is actually not a horrible experience. It's actually somewhat on par with my old 24" iMac. The 2015 model was borderline on unusable as things took a bit more time to respond even for normal things like switching windows or dragging stuffs around and so on. The 2016 model can actually function as a fanless computer driving a 4K display. That's quite some engineering feat. 4K videos still give some browsers a hard time (oh, I'm looking at Chrome), but Safari plows through everything like a champ. Except for the "switch to full screen" animation still being a little choppy running at 4K, everything else is relatively smooth.
3) I get 7-8 hours of battery life with 2016, whereas I got barely 5-6 with the 2015 before. In practical use, I'd say... I charge the MacBook less than I did before. The charger feels like it stays in the bag a little longer, but... that's about it. I was able to make do with 4-5 hours on my rMBP 15" from 2012, so anything above that isn't very noticeable to me personally. Maybe I just don't stay too far away from an outlet, but the extra battery life is indeed welcome because there are times I leave the MacBook running a process (like compiling a big project) with its lid closed in my bag.
4) I notice the MacBook gets hot a little less often now. The 2015 model used to get a bit toasty. Not really untouchable like my 15", but still quite warm in use. The 2016 model stays cold, and only gets mildly above my body temperature when driving a 4K display. It doesn't even get that hot when I have it compiling/processing things with the lid closed in my bag, whereas the 2015 will get pretty toasty doing the same thing. For that one specific task, I think the 2016 wins hands down even against my 15" rMBP.
Those are the major differences. I can't really tell beyond that.
My 13" 2015 rMBP starts making the helicopter fan sounds with 4K videos in Chrome but it's a recent "development". So I blame Chrome itself – they obviously did some sort of "update". Is it better in Safari for you?
I kind of hope they will downprice the 2016 MB to €999 when the 2017 comes out, but 1) my hopes are not high and 2) I still find it too small and don't like the keyboard. I just want a rose gold laptop because I'm a big bear blacksmith and love messing with people's brains and 2) other than having to get used to the keyboard it looks like it would be a perfect machine for writing – I do a lot of typing.
Safari runs much smoother, faster, and more responsive for me, especially on a 4K display, where the difference is very very obvious. Even Firefox is more responsive than Chrome now. Google really needs to step their game up.
My wishlist for the 2017 model is as follows:
If we could get those first 5 or 6 bullets, I think it would be a day 1 buy for me. I'm currently on an original aluminum MacBook (late 2008) which doesn't get a ton of use but has held up very well.
Let me know what you think! The wait continues.......
- Upgraded camera (720P at least, 1080 would be nice but not sure on ability to fit it in the display)
- 1TB storage option (not even sure I would opt for this one, but a nice option to have)
- 16GB RAM (standard or optional)
- Updated screen on par with new MBP's
- Second-gen butterfly keyboard
- Price decrease (perhaps starting at $999 with $1299 and $1599 tiers for 512GB and 1TB, respectively)
- Second USB-C Port (Unlikely, wouldn't mind removal of 3.5mm jack to accommodate, however)
- Touchbar (no chance in my opinion, lol)
If we could get those first 5 or 6 bullets, I think it would be a day 1 buy for me. I'm currently on an original aluminum MacBook (late 2008) which doesn't get a ton of use but has held up very well.
Let me know what you think! The wait continues.......
I think a lot will depend on what else they've got ready for release. If this is the high point, it might mean more specs that are updated. But if they come out with a lot of other new stuff, the MacBook might just be an incremental upgrade and not get that much attention. I wouldn't be surprised at all if they only update the keyboard and CPUs, and everything else stays the same, including the price. Milk it as long as they can.
To be honest, just sorting out the rapidly battery capacity degradation would make me strongly consider a 3rd gen. I think an updated keyboard is a cert, but the higher quality screen may remain a 'pro' exclusive (especially if there will be a price drop). I wouldn't expect a 2nd USB-C port, Touchbar or TB3 until the redesign and the 720p camera probably hinges on whether Apple can source one thin enough for the lid (surely by now this is possible?!)
I think people need to check their hopes for the next iteration of the rMB. We all know Apple doesn't deliver or fulfil our expectations on hardware like they used to 5+ years ago. I don't think they will do much because the MacBook Pro is still a new machine and it will have its own Kaby Lake update later this year. I think if we are going to see any major changes in the rMB then it will not be for another year.
My predictions are a price cut by $100 for the 256 SSD/8GB MacBook and $100 price cut for the 512 SSD/8GB
There will be two optional upgrades.
My predictions are a price cut by $100 for the 256 SSD/8GB MacBook and $100 price cut for the 512 SSD/8GB
There will be two optional upgrades.
- Second-gen butterfly keyboard (on all Kaby Lake MacBooks)
- 1TB storage (optional)
- 16GB RAM (optional)
- No upgraded Display (coming in 2018).
Don't get your hopes up for a 16GB option. If the 12" MacBook has such an option, then the 15" MBP would be able to have 32GB using the same components.
Haven't they already announced that the MBP will now have a 32GB option?
Yeah, I think this is probably it. I so wish they'd have a 500-nit P3 display, it's really stunning on the new pro laptops.
I wouldn't bet on any of that. Likely the refresh this year will be a quiet one... with a spec bump to the new processors, and maybe Apple will be gracious enough to give us Touch Bars. (oh, hey!)
All of that with a PRICE INCREASE, because that's the NEW TREND with them. Last time Apple announced MacBook Pros, they increased their pricing all across the board. The 15" rMBP got a $400 price increase, for instance.
So I don't think there will be a price drop. That's wishful thinking.
Nope. You wish. 32GB RAM mandates DDR4, and Apple is very much against using DDR4, citing "battery life" concerns. Considering the current MacBook Pro line already has issues with battery life as is (likely due more to the Touch Bar than anything else IMO), I don't think we'll see 32GB in the new MacBook Pro any time soon.
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So at this point, I think what will most likely and realistically happen is either...
1) Quiet spec bump. We'll see them on the website, but Apple won't say or announce anything.
2) Fanfares, Touch Bars on everything. There will be a m3 7Y30 8GB 128GB configuration of the MacBook with a $100 "price drop". Then there will be a i5 7Y54 8GB 256GB option with Touch Bar for $200 MORE than the same configuration in 2016, as well as a i5 7Y57 8GB 512GB option with Touch Bar for even more $$$. Both of these options have possible processor upgrade to i7 7Y75, and the 512GB option "may" have an additional upgrade to 1TB SSD.
Nope, that's just wild speculation by pundits.
When I checked a few months ago, state of the art in LPDDR3 was four 8 Gbit dies in one package. This equates to 4 GBytes per package. The 2016 MBP's have room for 4 packages, while the MB12 uses 2 packages. Hence the RAM limits on the various models.
16 GBit dies aren't that far in the future. They would allow an 8 GByte RAM package. However, LPDDR3 is essentially mobile phone RAM. Until phones are ready to push beyond 4GB, there won't be much interest in offering a denser package.
Good summary. But don't you mean LPDDR4? All the top smartphones are using that now.