With Apple conveniently withholding any Mac-related announcements during its September event, the question whether or not the public will be kept in the dark until the end of the year is overwhelming. However, tech analysts are claiming that the 2016 MacBook Air will arrive before the end of the month. In addition, it is expected to sport enhanced specs and all-new features.
Forbes got in touch with Rhoda Alexander, who is the Director for Tablet and Notebook PCs at IHS Markit Technology. She confirmed that production of the new Mac Products actually began in the second quarter of this year. This production reportedly includes a "refresh" on the 13.3 inch MacBook Air, which should make it the thinnest and lightest Apple product ever.
If the start of production was within the second quarter, however, it is unlikely that Apple installed the new Intel Kaby Lake Processor in the 2016 MacBook Air. As such, it is estimated that the upcoming device will be powered by the sixth generation Skylake chip instead. And while the Skylake chip might not offer the same graphic power, it will undoubtedly improve the existing power and battery consumption of its predecessor.
As Bloomberg reports, the 2016 MacBook Air is also getting a multi-function USB-C port and a "Dynamic Function Row." This function row will apparently act similar to a standard function row but will change depending on the user's current needs. In essence, the standard brightness and volume options will change once a different application is opened.
Of course, the new macOS Sierra will be preinstalled in the 2016 MacBook Air, which in itself will bring a wide range of new features. This includes support for Apple Pay online transactions, new animations for the iMessage app and a more integrated iCloud. Siri's inclusion into the Mac products, however, is arguably the most exciting feature.
