Apple MacBook 2017 line-up: Expected Q3 launch; 32 GB Pro model possible
A lot of Apple fans are waiting for the company’s fresh batch of new products. And even though the next iPhone is getting the most hype, a large portion of the Cupertino, California-based tech titan’s fans are looking forward to the MacBook 2017 models. Apple has been tight-lipped about its upcoming laptop line-up, but the new set of MacBooks is reportedly going to be worth the wait.
The Apple laptop that has experienced the most recent refresh is the MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, which was launched during the company’s October event last year. No updated MacBook and MacBook Air were presented at the conference, and Apple eventually dropped the 11-inch Air after the affair. The Mac-maker may be leaning towards replacing the Air series with the upcoming 12-inch MacBook model.
Just like the expected 2017 revamp of the iMac, the upcoming MacBooks have been unsurprisingly linked to Intel’s latest Kaby Lake chipset, which has DisplayPort 1.2, Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1 support. According to a Bloomberg report from last month, Apple is designing a new chip for the next batch of MacBooks that would “take on more of the functionality currently handled by Intel processors.” The new chip, which is internally known by its T310 codename, is reportedly going to deal with the “Power Nap” feature while also enhancing the Mac laptops’ battery life.
Previous reports indicate that the MacBook 2017 models, which could launch in early third quarter, may come in two RAM variants: the standard 8 GB model and a 16 GB option. The 8 GB model should do well as the more affordable option, while the 16 GB unit will be a godsend to those who have been longing for an Apple laptop with a memory upgrade.
The upcoming MacBook Pro 2017 model is, of course, keeping the Touch Bar. The 13-inch basic Pro laptop may reportedly sell for around US$2,199 (AU$2,898), while the 15-inch variant with Touch Bar could carry a price tag of US$4,249 (AU$5,599). If the projected price of the upcoming iPhone is any indication, the new MacBook Pro units may be priced even higher.
No less than a 3,200 x 1,800 QHD+ display is expected on the MacBook Pro 2017 as Apple is set on improving its Retina Display, which has been left behind by other devices. A premium model has also been mentioned in earlier reports, which could pack up to 32 GB of RAM.
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