Apple is planning to unveil MacBook upgrades at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference in June, according to the latest report related to the annual event.
So far, there have been several product announcements tied to WWDC 2017, but the new MacBook models could be the most important for Apple, as it moves to fight back against tougher competition from rivals such as Microsoft.
Apple To Unveil Three New MacBook Models
According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is planning to announce three new MacBook models at WWDC 2017.
Apple is said to be developing a new 12-inch MacBook, which has not been updated since spring 2016, powered by a faster Intel chip. While specific details on what else will change with the laptop is not yet known, possible additions include a second USB-C port and the usage of the better keyboard on the recent MacBook Pro.
The MacBook Pro, meanwhile, will also receive a faster Kaby Lake processor from Intel, as the laptops were shipped with Skylake CPUs. In addition to improved CPU options, a new MacBook Pro may also offer increased RAM and bigger storage.
The 13-inch MacBook Air, the cheapest MacBook of Apple that continues to sell well despite not having been redesigned for almost seven years, could also receive an update, Bloomberg's sources said. This comes as a surprise, as Apple itself said that the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro with no touch bar was positioned as the replacement for the MacBook Air.
If Apple does indeed refresh the 13-inch MacBook Air, fans of the laptop should not expect dramatic additions such as a Retina Display or a touch bar. An updated MacBook Air would likely only mostly receive maintenance upgrades with newer processor options.
Both Apple and Intel have declined to comment on the rumors.
The Importance Of MacBooks To Apple
Apple's Mac business only accounts for 11 percent of Apple's annual sales compared to the iPhone division, which rakes in almost two-thirds of the amount. However, Macs and MacBooks are important for Apple to retain business with creative industries and loyal users.
The reported upgrades will show that Apple remains committed to the MacBook line of products, even if the updates do not present massive changes.
New MacBook models would also help Apple to be better equipped at dealing with tougher competition in the computer industry. Earlier this month, Microsoft unveiled the Surface Laptop, with the new Windows 10 S operating system and considered a MacBook Air killer.
Apple Products At WWDC 2017
While the focus of the annual Worldwide Developers Conference is traditionally on software, Apple has used the event to announce new products.
This year, there have so far been many reports on new devices that Apple is planning to unveil at WWDC. It has been rumored that Apple will be announcing a premium smart speaker, powered by digital assistant Siri and coming with a touchscreen, to challenge the Amazon Echo and the Google Home.
Apple may also unveil a new 10.5-inch iPad Pro at WWDC 2017, according to famed Apple insider Ming-Chi Kuo. The announcement is expected at the annual event because Apple is believed to be ramping up production of the device by the end of the current quarter.
