MacBook Pro 2016 release date, specs, rumors: Next-gen MacBook Air, MacBook Pro expected in October

When everyone is talking about iPhone 7, Apple is gearing to release MacBook Pro 2016 in October 2016. According to Rhoda Alexander, Director of Tablet and Notebook PCs at IHS Markit Technology, the Cupertino-based company will release new refreshed MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops in October 2016.

Rhoda, meanwhile, said that the production for Apple's new 13.3-inch and 15.4-inch MacBook Pro laptops started in the Q2 2016. This means you will not find Intel's new Kaby Lake processor in the new models.

MacBook Pro 2016 will likely ship with Intel Kaby Lake processor

To recall, Kaby Lake processor was announced by August end. However, the processor already started to reach manufacturers and OEMs during the second quarter of 2016. Hence, it is still possible for the company to integrate Kaby Lake into new Apple MacBook Pro 2016.

MacBook Pro 2016 will have OLED display

In August 2016, a report published on Bloomberg revealed that the company is gearing up to launch a revamped MacBook Pro with an OLED display above the keyboard. Meanwhile, Apple insiders have coined this new feature as a Dynamic Function Row. The report also specified that the new MacBook Air will feature a USB-C port. That being said, the new

MacBook Pro is expected to ship with a new graphics processor

Responding to media queries via telephone, Rhoda added that there is no clear confirmation as to whether Apple will integrate Intel Skylake or Kaby Lake processor. Since the production started in Q2 2016, the company may preclude Kaby Lake.

Intel Kaby Lake will have improved graphics

If you analyze the list of processors offered by Intel, SkyLake has a huge collection instead of Kaby Lake. Hence, it remains to be seen as to whether Apple will infuse Kaby Lake into new MacBook Pro. However, the new Kaby Lake processor offers enhanced graphics performance.

According to analyst Daniel Matte at market researcher Canalys, Apple will most likely include an option for AMDs latest Polaris graphics processors.

MacBook Pro 2016 will have a flatter keyboard

Expected to be thinner than the currently available MacBook, the forthcoming MacBook Pro 2016 will feature a flatter keyboard. According to Bloomberg, the new premium MacBook Pros will be thinner "but are not tapered like the MacBook Air and latest 12-inch MacBook". Moreover, the new MacBook Pros will have a smaller footprint than existing models with shallower curves casing around the edges.

MacBook Pro 2016 specifications

13.3-inch retina display

15.4-inch retina display

Possibility of 5K external display support

Intel 2.5GHz processor

Up to 8 GB RAM/256GB internal storage

4 USB-C ports (2 on each side)

USB 3.1 Gen 2 port

TouchID fingerprint recognition

Apple Pencil support

Magic Trackpad

OLED touchbar controls

MacBook Pro 2016 Pricing

If the rumors turn out to be true, you can expect the release of MacBook Pro 2016 in October.

Apple is expected to sell MacBook Pro 2016 at a higher price than the existing variant. While the default 13.3-inch model is expected to be available at £999 ($1,119), the premium 15.4-inch model will be priced at £1,999 ($2,099).

Source: MacBook Pro 2016 release date, specs, rumors: Next-gen MacBook Air, MacBook Pro expected in October