MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 2016 Release Date, Rumors; Surprise Black Friday Release, Specs and Price

By Richard Waelty
Macbook Air and Pro
Employees and customers surround a table with MacBook Pros, during the official opening of the largest Apple shop in southern Europe, at Passeig de Gracia in Barcelona July 28, 2012. (Reuters/Albert Gea/Files)

Release date predictions for the MacBook Pro 2016 suggest a launch early next year. Meanwhile, there are unverified reports that the MacBook Air 2016 has been cancelled. Amidst these rumors, several retails have confirmed excellent Black Friday release offers on a variety of Apple products and devices.

MacBook Pro 2016 Delay Rumors

Recently, Australia Network News reported on a rumor hinting that the MacBook Pro 2016 may be delayed due to issues with the production of the Intel Skylake-U chipset. Due to this mishap, the device may be pushed back to spring 2016.

Earlier, Venture Capital Post reported that the MacBook Pro 2016 would be out by December 2015. It is impossible to verify who has the correct information, as Apple is quite secretive. In fact, the Cupertino-based tech giant does not unveil release date information until its product is almost ready for launch.

Also, there has not been much spec and price information regarding the MacBook Pro 2016. The only tidbit so far indicates that the device will run on the Intel Skylake U-chipset and OS X El Capitan. Because the MacBook Pro 2016 is new, it may have a Type-C USB port. Rumors tell of  Force Touch technology possibly being included, but Apple has not confirmed this.

Since the MacBook Pro 2016 will be considered next-gen hardware, it will not be selling for cheap. A 13-inch MacBook Pro 2015 is already selling between $1,299 and $1,799.  The larger 15-inch MacBook Pro sets buyers back at over $2,000. So, consumers should expect to see the MacBook Pro 2016 at about that price range.

MacBook Air 2016 Cancelled?

In the meantime, there are signs that the MacBook Air series may be in the process of being phased out. Some rumors suggest that Apple may come out with a definitive MacBook Air 2016 model to finish off the lineup. Still, a recent report indicates that this may not be the case.

Earlier this year, observers predicted that the MacBook Air will be phased out due to the launch of the new MacBook on March 9.  

"This wasn't the MacBook Air, but instead leaped past the Air," Jan Dawson, chief analyst at Jackdaw Research, said to MacWorld. "The kept "the MacBook Air] around just as they do with older iPhones, but the MacBook is now in the same position as the newest iPhone. That makes me wonder if the Air will go away over time."

Dawson's sentiment was echoed by some experts who firmly believed that Apple is going to reduce the number of families within the MacBook lineup. If that belief is true, the aging MacBook Air series may ultimately get the axe.

It remains to be seen whether the MacBook Air 2016 will see the light of day. Earlier rumors hinting a MacBook Air 2016 release date on Black Friday will need to be taken with a grain of salt.

Black Friday Deals Abound on Apple Products

As November draws to a close, Black Friday offers on Apple products including the iPad Air and iPhone 6 series can be found at major U.S. retailers. Those stores include Best Buy and Target.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories