Rumors fired up that Apple is set to unleash new MacBook models at the start of WWDC 2017 on June 5. Expected to be introduced are updates for the MacBook Air, the 12-inch MacBook and the 15-inch MacBook Pro that is rumored to get Intel's Kaby Lake-X processor.
The upcoming upgrades were supposedly hinted by the changes seen in Apple's online store. According to MacRumors, delivery estimates for the 15-inch MacBook Pro have considerably slipped, which indicates two things - that Apple is planning a bunch of hardware upgrades and it can happen as early as next week.
Or it could be that the particular MacBook Pro model is just plagued by low inventory.
But it is the former that seems more likely. As 9to5Mac noted in a related report, "when shipping dates lapse at the Apple Online Store, it is often a good indicator that a new version is coming soon. When those dates coincide with an Apple event, it's an even stronger signal."
If true, the MacBook updates are expected to be minimal and likely focused on specs bumps. Speculations are rife the MacBook Air will be given newer inside components and the same goes for the 12-inch MacBook. The step up will then render the older models slightly cheaper than the new ones.
But it is the 15-inch MacBook Pro that generates more interest. Rumors say the notebook is said to be boosted up with Intel Kaby Lake-X that is more powerful, faster and more efficient than the last generation. And in line with the processor update, Apple is thought to offer the same with maximum RAM support of 32GB or double the size of the most premium model rolled out last year.
Apart from the MacBook line upgrades, Apple is also believed to unveil the Siri Smart Speaker and the latest addition to the iPad Pro line - the 10.5-inch form factor that has a framing that is identical to the 9.7-inch model. That's because the new iPad Pro will feature slimmed down side bezels.
Also hotly anticipated at the WWDC 2017 next week is the new batch of operating systems to run Apple's line of mobile and conventional devices. To headline the release are MacOS 10.13 that will power the Mac and MacBook lines and iOS 11 for the iPhone and iPad models.