Apple MacBook Air 2017 release date, news & update: Device could be released in three variants; Kaby Lake processor expected

Going by the latest reports it seems that the Apple MacBook Air will be released in 2017 and the device is still a hot favourite among tech enthusiasts. The MacBook Air 2017 was not announced during the recent Apple event on Oct. 27.

Instead, the Cupertino company compared the device to the MacBook Pro 2016. This led many to believe that Apple may have finally killed off its Air line-up. The 11-inch MacBook Air has already been killed off and it seems that the 13-inch model is also on the chopping block.

Prices for the older MacBook Airs have been slashed. According to Macworld, the 13-inch MacBook Air can still be upgraded. Now a user can get 512GB of storage for just $200. Air enthusiasts believe that in case Apple does not release a MacBook Air in 2017, it will at least stick to its yearly upgrade cycle.

However, if Apple does release the MacBook Air, it will do so anytime between March and May like before. Unconfirmed reports have suggested that the Apple MacBook Air 2017 (if released) will sport some amazing features and specs. A 15-inch screen and Retina Display are expected.

The highly-anticipated MacBook Air 2017 may be released in 11-inch, 13-inch and 15-inch variants and they are expected to be thinner and lighter than their predecessors. Information on the processor and battery capacity is not available though rumours suggest that the Apple MacBook Air 2017 will sport Intel’s highly-advanced Kaby Lake processor.

Fans expect the Apple Pencil to be included with the MacBook Air 2017 and the stylus could be used in different modes such as the rotational controller mode and the joystick mode. Force Touch upgrade is also expected along with the Touch ID feature. Thunderbolt 3 and USB Type-C ports may be incorporated for super-fast charging and data transfer.

Tech enthusiasts speculate the price of the Apple MacBook Air 2017 to be around US$1,200 (AU$1,560). However, MacRumors believes that Apple will phase out the MacBook Air line replacing it with MacBook and MacBook Pro.