New range of Macs to be unveiled this month
Apple’s major annual iPhone smartphone launch event is done and dusted, clearing the way for the Mac line up refresh, which is set to be announced later this month.
For those with an older Mac, struggling with an ageing version of OS-X, now will be the perfect time for an upgrade as Apple moves the operating system on to MacOS Sierra. While the hardware specifics remain under wraps, it is likely that the iMac range will move up to Intel’s new Kaby Lake range of Core processors, bringing with them faster performance for lower power consumption and compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 adapters, USB 3.1 ports and DisplayPort 1.2 output.
While the new MacBooks might not see an update to Kaby Lake, Apple can still improve performance with faster video processors, drives and memory, and perhaps even tempt buyers into upgrading with a new colour model to expand the range.
Die-hard Apple fans will also be looking for updates to the Mac Mini and MacBook Pro, devices neglected by the company in the past year. Buyers will be looking for updates to the graphics chips with both Intel and AMD having new, faster parts on offer that will help keep Mac users up to date with high-end video work, 3D processing and a spot of gaming.
Given Apple’s focus on performance over outright designer style in recent iterations, don’t expect anything too radical on the looks front, but a new generation of systems across the range to offer more performance grunt will help keep Apple in the PC sales race, even with the high ticket prices on most models.
As ever, battery life will be the key consideration for MacBook users, and Apple will be sure to tread that fine line between power and lifespan with care, giving the growing number of complaints about short usability with the company’s iOS products. Apple will need to put productivity ahead of overall power and performance for the majority of users. This makes us wonder if there’s room for an Apple Elite range that puts the fastest and latest hardware in a slightly larger box to sacrifice a little of the company’s obsession with skinniness for a cutting edge user experience.
