Analyst: New MacBooks Coming by June

Apple will release new MacBook models by June at the latest, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Considering Apple last updated the MacBook Pro in May 2015 with minor performance enhancements, this could be a sign the company is holding out for Intel's Skylake processors before rolling out new models.

Apple's MacBook Pro could get an update by JuneApple's MacBook Pro could get an update by June

Mr. Kuo didn't say which laptop models Apple plans to update in the first half of the year, according to Business Insider.

Apple first started using Intel's Haswell processor Core i7 processor line in the MacBook Pro in October 2013, and the newer Broadwell Core i5 and i7 processors in the MacBook Air March 2015 and the first generation MacBook.

The MacBook is Apple's most recent laptop release, so it's possible the company is looking to refresh the Air and Pro lines first. Moving to Intel's Skylake chip sets would give both product lines a welcome performance boost and more efficient power usage.

Intel's Skylake processors promise a 10- to 20-percent performance increase compared to its current Broadwell chipsets, and to have lower power requirements, too. Better power usage translates to improved performance without taking a hit on battery life which is an ongoing battle with portable computer designs.

Rumors also claim the MacBook Air will finally get a Retina display, bringing it inline with the MacBook Pro and MacBook. Presumably the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air will get USB-C ports, which were introduced with the MacBook.

Apple hasn't said what's in store for its laptop lineup, or when updates will be coming. The company's annual Worldwide Developer Conference likely happening in mid June this year. That fits nicely with Mr. Kuo's time frame, and would make for a great WWDC announcement.