Anew reportseems to confirm previous ones that say Apple’s planning to refresh its entry-level MacBook lineup as early as next month. New iPad Pro models are also expected to debut in the coming weeks, according to DigiTimes.
The next-generation MacBook series is likely to use Intel’s 14nm Kaby Lake processor. Best of all, the new models could launch at $1,200, or $100 less than last year’s model.
The inexpensive MacBook is estimated to have a shipment volume of around eight million units in 2018 and is expected to undermine demand for first-tier competitors’ similar devices.
Like the current lineup, the 2018 MacBook should be available in space gray, silver, and gold. The new, redesigned 12-inch MacBook series launched in 2015. Two refreshes followed in 2016 and 2017.
Apple already refreshed itsMacBook Pro lineupin July; the MacBook Air is also expected toget an updatethis Fall.
On the iPad Pro front, DigiTimes sees two new devices launching, a third-generation 12.9-inch model and one measuring 11 inches diagonally that would replace the current 10.5-inch model. After Apple’s fall announcement, the company is likely to have four tablets on the market. Including the new iPad Pros, the lineup will include the 9.7-inch entry-level iPad that launched earlier this year plus the 7.9-inch iPad mini 4 that arrived back in 2015.
The two new iPad Pros will come with a newly-designed 18W power adapter featuring USB Type-C interface for a faster charging experience. Apple so far has no further plan for the iPad mini series.
This year’s iPad Pro lineup is expected to feature a significant design refresh. Besides introducingrounded cornersand asmaller body, the new tablets are likely to includeFace ID and a True-depth camera system. Neither model is expected to have a Home button or Touch ID.
Digitimes also confirmed various reports that say Apple’s prepping three new iPhones for the year. It also notes the long-delayedAirPower charging matshould make its debut next month.
In addition to the new inexpensive notebook, the US-based vendor is also expected to unveil three new iPhones: one featuring a 5.8-inch OLED display, one with a 6.5-inch OLED display and one with a 6.1-inch LCD display in September. The 6.1-inch LCD model is expected to be the most price-friendly and the mainstream device.
Apple is also expected to announce the launch schedule for its wireless charger AirPower for new iPhones during the conference with a price point at around NT$5,000-6,000 (US$161-193).
Apple’s almost certainly going to announce a September hardware launch event in the coming days. That event could happen as early as Sept. 12. Besides the new hardware mentioned above, the company is also expected to launch anewly designed Apple Watchand announce updates to the iMac and Mac mini lineup.
