MacBook Pro and MacBook Air 2016 Release Date, Specs and Rumors: Next-Gen Apple Laptops Come With USB-C Support

By Mark Aserit
Apple MacBook
Latest on MacBook Pro 2016 and MacBook Air 2016 laptops

Most of laptop manufacturers are reluctant to install USB Type-C ports on their upcoming products. However, latest reports say Apple has decided to adopt the connector to the next-generation MacBook Air. This might be an indication that the Cupertino-based company will finally release a new version of the lightweight laptop this year.

A report from DigiTimes claims Apple will install USB-C ports on its upcoming MacBook Air 2016 laptop. This is good news for Apple fans that are eagerly waiting for the next-gen MacBook Air. It reasserts that the company indeed has a refreshed version of the notebook on its pipeline.

The USB-C port provides fast data transfer and quick battery charging technology. Tech experts say USB-C represents the evolution of the standard USB connector, one that both gadgets makers and customers should be excited for.

However, some tech firms are conservative about installing the USB-C on their laptops because of a few side-effects. The connector uses larger electric current compare to the previous-generation interfaces, and it could cause interference and heat dissipation problems.

Additionally, USB-C needs an amplifier chip, a special transmission wire and a receiver chip. These parts significantly raise the price of a laptop, making it hard for manufacturers to sell devices.

Acer, Dell, and Lenovo are apparently still evaluating the option to adopt USB-C connector. On the other hand, Asus, HP and Apple are set to release laptops with the new connector.

Tech Radar reports Apple might announce new MacBook Air next month, or possibly more likely in September. In addition, the company might drop the 11-inch MacBook Air to introduce a new 15-inch version.

For MacBook Pro 2016, it might also come with USB-C ports. However, rumors around the internet claim Apple postponed the development of the laptop due to production problems in Intel's Kaby Lake processor.

The Kaby Lake chipset is a 14-nanometer processor from Intel. Compare to Skylake, Kaby Lake promises significant performance improvements and better battery life management. Industry experts believe the CPU will help Apple to take a big lead ahead of its competitors.

According to Intel CEO Brian Krzanich, the Kaby Lake-powered devices will come in "the second half of 2016". With that timeline, MacBook Pro 2016 could become avaialble sometime in October or September.

As always, all of the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air details mentioned above are only rumors and speculations. Apple has not yet made any announcements about its next-generation laptops.

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