MacBook Air 2017 release date, specs & cancellation update: Final model to land in 2017?

Georgia Gana Friday, December 09, 2016

A promotional photo of the current MacBook Air laptop from Apple. | Apple

Apple has not updated the MacBook Air in over 638 days. While the latest iteration of the laptop was expected to arrive alongside the new MacBook Pro during Apple's keynote last October, it failed to materialize, leaving many consumers disappointed. Now, the MacBook Air update is expected to arrive sometime next year.

According to MacRumors, Apple's failure to introduce the new MacBook Air could be due to the company's intense focus on the iPad lineup this year. The publication noted that even the MacBook Pro update entailed a 527-day wait. The delays are also somewhat attributed to Apple waiting for the newest hardware components from suppliers like Intel, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and NVIDIA.

Most reports in the rumor mill point out that the MacBook Air 2017 will likely be powered by Intel's Kaby Lake processors and next-generation graphics chips from AMD. It is also suggested that there will be a Retina display for the new laptop. In terms of design and dimensions, the MacBook Air 2017 is expected to be thinner and lighter than its predecessor. Connectivity features like the USB Type-C, Thunderbolt 3 and DisplayPort 1.2 ports are also expected.

The MacBook Air 2017 may have two variants when launched. The 13.3-inch model will likely be retained. On the other hand, the 11-inch version might be replaced by a 15-inch iteration.

Just like the recently released MacBook Pro laptop, the new Air laptop could also feature the Touch Bar that replaced the physical function keys. Having the OLED strip would also give consumers a biometric security measure via the Touch ID fingerprint sensor.

Consumers are likely to see a proper update to the MacBook Air in 2017. However, it's possible that the laptop will be the final model as Apple may choose to finally discontinue the lineup. It is said that Apple will instead focus on promoting the iPad Pro lineup as the 2-in-1 segment continues to gain popularity in the market. Meanwhile, those looking for an ultraportable laptop can opt for the MacBook laptops instead.

Apple has not made any official announcement regarding the MacBook Air 2017 laptop. As such, information should be taken with a grain of salt.