MacBook Air 2017 news, release date and rumored specs: Siri, Retina display may debut in next-gen laptop

Christopher John Alerta Monday, November 21, 2016

Inset is a promotional image for Apple's MacBook Air. | APPLE

Apart from a refreshed iMac and new entries from the iPad roster, Apple Inc.'s MacBook Air has also been noticeably absent during the Cupertino-based launching events in September and October. While its next entry will sure come sometime soon, people have been on the lookout for its upcoming set of features, which in Apple's world may come in handy and thrilling at the same time.

Currently dubbed the cheapest laptop Apple will ever be releasing, MacBook Air 2017 will reportedly be sporting a massive battery that would be capable of providing a backup of 12.5 hours even with heavy usage of web-browsing.

MacBook Air 2017 might also be equipped with two prized features â€” the much-desired Retina display and Apple's digital assistant Siri. Alongside a thinner and slimmer structure, the forthcoming laptop could be the company's most pleasing yet in terms of aesthetics.

MacBook Air 2017 is also expected to come with the awaited E-Ink keyboard. The new keyboard system functionality will enable users to customize their keyboards optimally. The system will also allow users to make shortcuts depending on their usage. Meanwhile, the laptop may also get equipped with Intel Kaby Lake processors, the ARM chips and Touch ID with Force Touch upgrade.

Furthermore, the forthcoming device will be armed with Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.2 and SD card slots.

One of MacBook Air's most distinct feature does not lie on its specifications. Its charm has rather come from its "affordable" prices since it was shipped off. The current MacBook Air is retailed at $999, a $500 shy from the company's premium offering, MacBook Pro 2016, and $300 cheaper than the firm's Retina MacBook.

First released eight years ago, Apple's MacBook Air just sits below the performance range of MacBook Pro. Compared with MacBook Retina, the Air's features reflect different prioritized offerings. It now serves as the company's entry-level laptop after the discontinuation of MacBook in 2011.