New MacBook Pro 2016 Release Date: Apple’s New Laptop Coming In Late October According To Reports
The release of Apple’s 2016 MacBook Pro is imminent, according to a recent report. Analysts now believe that the newest iteration of Apple’s MacBook Pro line-up will be announced before the end of the month. That report falls in line with prior speculation that Apple plans to release the new model MacBook Pro within weeks. So how close is the release of the new MacBook Pro 2016? The answer may not be all that far away.
According to Forbes, the latest report comes from Japanese-language site Macotakara, which has a pretty reliable record when it comes to predicting release dates. Along with most analysts, the site also believes that production has already begun on the new MacBook Pro, which will allow Apple to release the laptop not long after it’s been announced. With that in mind, those looking to pick up a new MacBook Pro could expect to have the laptop in their hands by mid-November or even sooner depending on how early Apple announces the new Pro.
Apple looks set to reveal new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops this month: https://t.co/kPnvUFq6Tp pic.twitter.com/ocoabJQPln
— T3.com (@T3dotcom) October 18, 2016
The prediction follows a recent prediction from Rhoda Alexander, Director of Tablet and Notebook PCs at IHS Markit Technology. The analyst recently confirmed that they’re expecting to see a MacBook Pro refresh later this year, with Apple likely to introduce new versions of both their 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models. However, she also went one step further by saying that she expects to see a new 13-inch MacBook Air model too.
That being said, most analysts appear to agree that Apple will likely kill off their 11-inch model of the MacBook Air. The smaller form factor device has seen something of a decline in sales over recent years, and with the release of Apple’s streamlined 12-inch MacBook last year, there’s little space left in the MacBook line for an 11-inch Air. In fact, it’s widely predicted that Apple will eventually phase out the entire MacBook Air line of laptops.
RELATED STORIES ON INQUISITR:
New iMac 2016 Update Rumors: Release Date And Specs For Apple’s Latest All-In-One
New MacBook Air: What’s Next For Apple’s 13 Inch Laptop? 2017 Model Release Date, Specs And More
According to The Verge, Apple’s 2016 MacBook Pro refresh might be even more drastic than initially foreshadowed. Apple is said to be ditching traditional USB ports on the new MacBook Pro in favor of USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, similar to the aforementioned 12-inch MacBook. That being said, Apple included one single USB Type-C with that MacBook model, which could cause some concern amongst users of the MacBook Pro.
The 12-inch MacBook’s single UBS-C port can be used for sending data, display connectivity and charging the device, removing the need for multiple ports serving different functions. However, Apple’s decision to only include a single port with the 12-inch MacBook means that users have to carry a USB hub whilst on the go. Whilst that might not be all that much of a problem amongst users of the 12-inch MacBook, it could be a problem for users of the MacBook Pro, who often requires quicker and easier access to a range of different ports.
Apple’s new MacBook Pro might ditch regular USB ports https://t.co/oH09mBtbWo pic.twitter.com/VhBpGO7gsa
— The Verge (@verge) October 18, 2016
Of course, any information we have about the upcoming 2016 model MacBook Pro is purely speculation. It’s impossible to accurately predict what form the new laptop will take until Apple officially announces it. However, the good news for those waiting for that announcement is that they may not have to wait all that long. Apple’s final keynote address of 2016 is almost certainly just around the corner, with the new MacBook Pro expected to take center stage. So will you be picking up a new MacBook Pro before the end of the year?
[Featured Image by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images]
