MacBook 2016 release date: New 12-inch MacBook to release soon, key features, variants revealed

Apple recently announced two new products, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro and the iPhone SE. Now, the rumour mill is abuzz about the 2016 MacBook lineup. Fresh information suggests that Apple will be introducing a new 12-inch MacBook.

According to 9 to 5 Mac, a tipster has revealed to it that the 12-inch MacBook will be equipped with a Retina display. The evidence of the existence of the 12-inch MacBook was spotted on Mac’s System Image Utility tool. It is also seen on the OS X Server application.

In both listings, the 12-inch MacBook is mentioned as “early 2016.” Usually, Apple uses “early” for those devices slated for release in the first four months of the year. Hence, speculations are indicating that MacBook 2016 will be announced very soon.

Mac Rumors has reported that since Apple will be refreshing its last year’s model, there will be minor changes to the design of the new MacBook. It will reportedly be powered by Intel Skylake Core M processors.

Early rumours suggest that it will be available in three CPU variants namely, Core M3-6Y30 processor working at 2.20 GHz, Core M5-6Y54 processor clocking at 2.70 GHz and Core M7-6Y75 processor working at 3.10 GHz.

Rumours are rife that Apple is also working on 13-inch and 15-inch models of MacBook 2016. There are also speculations that these models will be announced before the end of the second quarter of this year. Apple is likely to unleash the new devices at the 2016 WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) in June.

The upcoming 13-inch and 15-inch MacBooks would be sporting a similar design like the existing 12-inch model, but it will reportedly be coming with a slimmer form factor. As far as specs are concerned, rumours are indicating that both models will be featuring faster Skylake chip and Thunderbolt 3 with USB Type-C.