MacBook Pro and MacBook Air 2016 Release Date, Rumors and Features; Coming to Apple’s March 21 Big Event?

By Mark Rollins
The two versions of the MacBook Pro.
 Apple

There has been a lot of rumors about the 2016 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.  Most of them involve the release date, as some expect it on Apple's March 21 event while others look to WWDC 2016.  Whatever the case, there is consistency with news of its features, and the price cut on the current models. 

Apple started to sell the current 15-inch MacBook Pro for 2015 with a discount and some freebies.  Surely this is a sign that the MacBook Pro 2016 will be happening quite soon.  Generally, the prices of MacBooks will drop before a new version is released. 

In the case of the MacBook Air, there are rumors that Apple is "phasing out" this particular model.  If that is the case, then the price on these particular models will go way, way down, while the newer models will show up at prices that are probably higher (possibly much higher) than what Apple has for their current 2015 models, expected to be at $1,299 to $1,599.  

It is expected that the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro will retain their original sizes but some with upgraded specs and features.  Most reports state that they will be powered by Intel Skylake processors, and at this point, it is difficult to find any article about the new MacBooks for 2016 without seeing the word "Skylake".  Considering that competitors at HP, Dell, and Microsoft have Skylake processors, it is just obvious for Apple to make the shift, and it is possible that this change could lead to a better battery life. 

There is one rumor that would be surprising if it were true, according to Macworld.  Some say that the 2016 models of MacBooks could have a touch screen, and that it could be detachable from the screen itself.  Then there are the rumors that perhaps the iteration of MacBooks could have a Retina display with 3D touch. 

There seems to be a lot of rumors about what the new MacBook will have.  Many are saying that the MacBook Air 2016 will have support for USB Type C and Thunderbolt connectivity for some smaller models. 

As it has been about a year since Apple's 12-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro laptops were made, as they both respectively came out March and May of 2015.  So, for the release date, most are pointing to an event that Apple is having on March 21.  At this time, the big gadgets that Apple is expected to announce is the iPhone 6C or 5SE, a smaller version of the iPhone.  There could also be a new iPad with an iPad Air 3, and there is talk of new accessories for the Apple Watch. 

It is quite possible that Apple will use this time in the March 21 spotlight to unveil the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro for 2016.  That, or wait until this summer and announce their new laptops during the WorldWide Developers Conference 2016 in June.