There are a number of things to look forward to in the upcoming MacBook Air Retina, particularly the sharper display and a possibly more powerful line of processors.
AirHerald.com reported that the latest version of Intel's Broadwell line of processors is already prepared while the newer Skylake line of processors are bound to release in the summer of 2015. Apple fans are wondering whether the Macbook Air Retina will feature either Broadwell or Skylake processors.
Since the MacBook Air Retina is set to release early in 2015 or ahead of the Skylake processors, there is the possibility that the laptop might feature the older Broadwell processors. There is no confirmation from Apple yet. There is also the possibility that the laptop might initially feature Broadwell processors, then those who purchase later in the year can opt for devices that include the newer Skylake chips.
There is not much size difference between Broadwell and Skylake chips so Apple can conveniently introduce the latest processor in the laptop's chassis without adding anything else in terms design or performance. Fool.com reported that Apple can simply reuse the same chassis for the Broadwell models then substitute a new logic board to support the Skylake chip. Skylake is better than Broadwell. Its chips process faster and can also save more battery.
DigiTimes.com reported that the MacBook Air Retina, measuring 12 inches, is expected to be mass-produced starting the first quarter of 2015. Because of the new chassis design, the overall thickness and weight of the laptop will increase. Previously, Intel delayed the launch of its Broadwell processors due to yield problems. Broadwell is slightly better than Haswell processors that are present in 2013 MacBook Air devices. The MacBook Air that was released in 2014 disappointed many fans since there were not a lot of improvements to find. It seemed like Apple wanted to put together a device which was incomplete yet a bit better than its predecessor. At the same time, the cold reception of the 2014 model gave others the hint that Apple might be preparing for something bigger the following year.
It would not be the first time that Apple upgraded a model in a brief and irregular period, based on the same report by AirHerald.com. MacBook Air released two models that were only a few months apart in 2008, featuring an upgrade in processing speed. The same approach will likely be used by the company to provide both Broadwell and Skylake chip options for users.
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