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Apple to launch new MacBooks next week, iMac and display in 2017

Apple won't release a new iMac or external display until the first half 2017, according to a reliable analyst. Apple will use its October event for a new MacBook and MacBook Pro.
Written by Jake Smith, Contributor
​Apple's current Mac lineup
Apple's current Mac lineup is due for a refresh. (Image: Apple)

Apple will use next week's media event to release a new 13-inch MacBook, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and 15-inch MacBook Pro, according to Ming-Chi Kuo at KGI Securities.

Likely the headliner of the event, the 15-inch MacBook Pro will feature a Retina display, Touch ID, an OLED function row above the keyboard, and upgraded internals, according to rumors. It's not clear what upgrades the 13-inch version of the MacBook Pro will see.

Kuo added some predictions for the MacBook Pro lineup:

(1) Intel's (US) Skylake processor; (2) the same panel resolution but better display quality and energy efficiency thanks to an oxide panel; (3) a new option of 2TB SSD storage capacity; (4) adoption of a similar processor as Apple Watch to control the OLED touch bar more energy-efficiently in the new MacBook Pro models; and (5) a Type-C & MagSafe-like adapter rolled out by Apple or a third-party supplier, given positive reviews for the MagSafe charging design.

The often-reliable Apple analyst said the 13-inch MacBook will be a successor to the 12-inch Retina MacBook released in 2015 and upgraded in April 2016.

See also: Apple reportedly preparing 5k external display with internal GPU

Interestingly, Kuo said Apple won't ship its rumored iMac upgrade or external 5k display until the first half of 2017.

The 5k display, a follow-up to the Thunderbolt Display, is rumored to have an integrated GPU.

Apple's "Hello Again" event is scheduled to start at 10 am PT/1 pm ET on Oct. 27 and will be live-streamed by Apple. It's not clear if Apple will announce the iMac and external display at the event or keep it MacBook only.

ZDNet's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes has an in-depth rumor breakdown, detailing what to expect and not expect at next week's event.

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