Technology
13-inch MacBook, iPad Pro, and AirPower coming in September
September is shaping up to be the mother of all months for Apple product announcements.
In addition to three new iPhones, Apple could use its annual iPhone launch event to unveil the long-rumored 13-inch MacBook that’s expected to replace the current (but completely outdated) MacBook Air, redesigned iPad Pros, and finally, finally ship the AirPower wireless charger that was introduced a year ago.
According to DigiTimes, an English-language Chinese publication that covers tech supply chains, Apple might announce a new 13-inch MacBook powered by Intel’s 14-nanometer Kaby Lake processors. The report predicts it’ll start at $1,200.
Past rumors suggest the new MacBook will have a Retina display (the MacBook Air is the only MacBook that lacks one) and USB-C ports in place of the Air’s full-sized USB-A ports. No word on if Apple will also remove the Air’s beloved SD card slot. It’s also highly likely the laptop will sport the third-generation “butterfly” keyboard that Apple introduced on the latest MacBook Pros.
The new laptop will most likely replace Apple’s aging 13-inch MacBook Air, which hasn’t received any kind of update since June 2017.
Apple could also discontinue the 12-inch MacBook and 13-inch MacBook Pro without Touch Bar, which also haven’t been updated since June 2017, effectively replacing them with this single laptop meant to satisfy customers looking for an entry-level machine.
Cutting down the number of models would simplify Apple’s MacBook lineup from its current five-model lineup (13-inch MacBook Air, 12-inch MacBook, 13-inch MacBook Pro without Touch Bar, 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, and 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar) to just three, making it easier to differentiate the models. The new MacBook lineup would look like this:
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13-inch entry-level MacBook
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13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar
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15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar
Aside from the MacBook rumor, DigiTimes also says Apple might announce two new iPad Pros. The smaller model will have an 11-inch screen, replacing the current 10.5-inch model. The larger iPad will retain a 12.9-inch screen. Both iPads are expected to have slimmer bezels, no home button, and Face ID.
The new iPads might also ship with a more powerful 18-watt USB-C charging adapter that uses a USB-C-to-Lighting cable. Current iPads come with either 10- or 12-watt chargers. DigiTimes believes the new charger could be used to fast-charge the new iPad Pros.
Another nugget on iPad: “Apple so far has no further plan for the iPad mini series.” That could either mean Apple will continue selling the small tablet without updating it, or it will be discontinued.
Finally, the report claims Apple will finally have an update on its 3-in-1 AirPower wireless charger, which could sell for between $150-$200.
If all of this feels like a lot, that’s because it is. New iPhones, new MacBooks, new iPads, and new accessories? Buckle up kids, this fall might be absolutely nuts if you’re into new Apple goodies.
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