Apple should introduce upgraded models to its MacBook lineup this year, according to a new investors note from trusted KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Despite a sluggish PC market overall, Apple's MacBooks have seen "solid growth" especially on the business front. Upgraded models could spearhead Apple's sales growth this year, with new MacBooks expected to hit the scene in the first half of 2016.
The news comes from Apple Insider, which obtained Kuo's latest note to investors. It's worth pointing out that Kuo has an excellent reputation when it comes to predicting Apple plans, products and releases, proving to be accurate on many occasions in the past.
According to the report, Kuo believes Apple will launch upgraded MacBook models by June and the new devices will accelerate the company's growth and sales this year.
"Sunday's report was the well-connected insider's first indication that new MacBooks will arrive in the first half of the year," notes Apple Insider.
Kuo did not offer any detailed information on which models will get a refresh or what upgrades they will bring to the table. Nevertheless, we expect several exciting changes from Apple this year, including an upgraded MacBook Air that could finally boast a higher-resolution Retina Display.
Apple is also expected to jump on board with Intel's new Skylake processors this year, equipping its new MacBooks with the new CPUs. Skylake follows Broadwell and will bring notable improvements in performance, including up to 20 percent faster CPU speeds and up to 41 percent faster integrated graphics chips. Moreover, Skylake will also enhance battery life, thanks to its 14nm architecture. For laptops, Skylake could translate to up to 30 percent longer battery life.
Apple has yet to confirm plans to launch new MacBooks this year, but upgraded models would make sense. The 12-inch MacBook model made its debut in early 2015, so a yearly update schedule would fall in line with Kuo's prediction.
If the new MacBooks are indeed set to arrive by June, Apple could launch the new models at its 2016 Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), which is expected to take place from June 13 to 17.
With no official confirmation, however, it's best to take everything with a grain of salt at this point.
