Apple didn't refresh its laptop lineup at Monday's "Let us loop you in" media event, and it's looking like we won't see new models until June. According to a new report, Apple is planning to release what are being called "ultra-thin" 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook models near the end of the second quarter, which fits with a June—and Worldwide Developer Conference—launch.
New Mac laptops likely coming in June
Unless Apple is planning to roll out new models quietly or at another media event, WWDC seems the most plausible time for a launch announcement. Apple hasn't announced the dates for its annual developer conference yet, but based on previous years, mid-June seems fairly likely.
The new MacBook report comes from sources telling DigiTimes Asustek, Dell, and Lenovo are preparing to ship their own ultra-thin 13-inch and 15-inch laptops to compete with Apple. DigiTimes has a mixed track record with its Apple predictions, but in this case the timing does line up, and it fits with an earlier report from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
What we don't know is exactly what DigiTimes means by new MacBooks. Apple most likely isn't planning on adding 13-inch and 15-inch models to go along with its current 12-inch MacBook. The report could be referring to the MacBook Air, although it doesn't seem likely the company is planning to add a 15-inch model to its existing 11-inch and 13-inch models.
What seems more plausible—or at least strong wishful thinking—is that we're getting redesigned MacBook Pros at WWDC with thinner bodies and Thunderbolt 3.
It's been about a year since Apple's laptops saw any updates. The MacBook Air was last refreshed in March 2015, and May 2015 for the Retina MacBook Pro. The MacBook was released in April 2015, and hasn't been updated yet. That puts all of Apple's laptops past due for an update.
When Apple does roll out new models, they're expected to use Intel's Skylake processors, include USB-C ports, and the MacBook Pro may have Thunderbolt 3 support, too. And regardless of the DigiTimes report, June sounds like about the right time for them to drop.