MacBook Air Being Discontinued, Reports Say
The MacBook Air could be on its death bed, according to multiple reports.
The laptop computer, the reports suggest, could be replaced by new models of the MacBook Pro expected for release later this year.
According to Yibada, the reception of the new 12-inch MacBook Pro is playing a part in the decision that could be announced later this year.
“Apple may remove the smaller 11-inch models of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, as it plans to introduce newer models. The 12-inch MacBook was released last year and it may soon become the model with the smallest screen size.”
“Also, there are reports that Apple is very pleased with the response that 12-inch MacBook got and hence, may introduce two newer variants, which have a screen size of 13 inches and 15 inches. There are also rumors that the MacBook Air lineup may be on its last legs.”
So what can users expect from a new MacBook Pro? The International Business Times‘ Australian edition has been looking into patent applications by Apple in the United States and notes an interesting feature that has not yet been a feature of Apple laptop devices.
“A patent application filed by Apple in September 2015 indicates that the 2016 MacBooks might incorporate a touch-sensitive keyboard without keys,” IBT reported. “The patent filing was published by the United States Patent & Trademark Office last week.”
As for what this might look like, it is hard to say since we have not seen anything of the sort from Apple at this point. Even with the iPad line, which recently introduced the iPad Pro device with its larger screen and new accessories, one of the key accessories is a keyboard with real keys, not a touch-sensitive pad.
“The new flat, touch-sensitive keypad will be able to sense multiple levels of pressure from fingers and return feedback accordingly,” IBT noted.
Based on the descriptions, it sounds as though the keyboard could be similar to what we are all used to with the iPads and iPhones many of us use in our daily lives, either on a personal level or when at work. How Apple would incorporate such technology into a touchpad keyboard without wasting space or technological features is hard to understand for this technology reporter.
As for other features, IBT noted “Intel’s newest Skylake processors” offering a capacity of 256 GB and said the latest Apple feature would be featured prominently on the latest devices.
“The refreshed MacBook Pro models are expected to sport multiple USB Type-C ports as well as Thunderbolt 3.”
“Prevailing rumours also indicate that the next generation of 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro will come with 8GB and 16 of RAM respectively. The Retina Displaymay also optimise power usage and result in longer battery life.”
As for when Apple fans should expect an announcement, Yibada said the announcement could come as soon as June when Apple hosts its annual developers conference where the company is known to unveil some of its latest offerings.
Many readers will note it was just about a month ago that Apple announced its latest iPhone, the iPhone SE. The device is essentially an iPhone 5s with updated specs meant to appeal to Apple customers who may want a simpler, less supercharged device or Apple customers who are concerned about controlling costs and want to go to a smaller, less expensive device.
As for the final details about the latest MacBook Air devices, which will likely change names to MacBook Pro, Yibada notes some additional specs.
“The MacBook Air 2016 is expected to be 13 inches in size, and come in CPU options like Core M3-6Y30, Core M7-6Y75, along with Core M5-6Y54. These cores will work at 2.20 GHz, 3.10 GHz, and 2.70 GHz respectively.”
Will you be buying?
[Featured Image by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]
