Apple could debut thinner 13- and 15-inch MacBooks during WWDC
It might not come from the most reliable source, but a recent rumor claims that Apple is planning on launching new 13- and 15-inch MacBook models that feature a thinner, 12-inch MacBook-inspired design. Could these be the new MacBook Pros we've been waiting for, and might the new devices launch during Apple's WWDC conference?
The MacBook Pros we've been waiting for
DigiTimes argues that the new MacBooks will indeed launch before July, signaling that a WWDC preview could indeed be in the cards. Concerning the models themselves, the report notes that the MacBooks will be of the 13- and 15-inch varieties, suggesting that we may be dealing with revamped MacBook Pro models. And if this is indeed the case, you can expect enhanced internals, including a revamped potentially-Intel Skylake processor.
Intel's Skylake processor is more power efficient, according to 9to5mac, suggesting that we'll see improved battery life with the anticipated MacBook Pros.
Like the MacBook you've already seen
But what else could the new MacBook Pros offer? Well, based on Apple's previous and current releases, I'd bet that a 12-inch MacBook-inspired design is on the horizon for Cupertino's “pro” line of notebooks. The 12-inch device, which I've been using for a while now, features a Force Touch trackpad (something that's already reached the MacBook Pro line) and a slimline “butterfly mechanism” keyboard. This, admittedly, takes some getting used to (it's more similar to the iPad Pro's Smart Keyboard than it is to a traditional Mac keyboard), but it is, in my opinion, a better keyboard. Not only are keystrokes more accurate, but the keyboard itself saves on space and is thinner.
The two new MacBooks share a design similar to the existing 12-inch MacBook, but thinner than existing MacBook Air.
- DigiTimesApple's WWDC should hit San Francisco around June, and as such a preview at the conference before late-June or July availability seems like a fair bet for Apple's next-generation MacBook Pros. Though with another iPad Pro model now available to choose from, it may not be long before more and more customers bypass the Mac and opt for an iPad, instead (as many already have).
