Intel Kaby Lake release date, specs news: 7th-gen processors suitable for Apple MacBook Pro and iMac revealed

Intel took the stage at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to officially introduce the highly anticipated seventh-generation Intel Core chipsets. The chipmaker unveiled the full lineup of its newest family of processors known as Kaby Lake and in doing so, revealed the notebook and desktop chips that could be seen in Apple's future MacBook Pro laptops and iMac All-in-One devices.

The seventh-generation Intel Core processors, built using the 14 nm+ process, enables faster clock speeds and frequencies compared to the sixth-generation Skylake and fifth-generation Broadwell chips. Its new graphics architecture allows for 3D graphics and 4K Ultra HD video playback. The new family of processors also features a boost in performance especially when it comes to multitasking. Devices are kept secure thanks to support for biometric protocols such as facial and fingerprint recognition.

When it comes to the mobile processors, the Kaby Lake microarchitecture enhances battery life so that it is capable of producing up to 10 hours of use on a single change. The more efficient battery also leads to thinner devices.

While Apple has not announced its upcoming MacBook Pro and iMac updates, the announcement of the Kaby Lake processors has revealed which ones are suitable for the future Apple devices. It also provides a sneak peek of their potential in terms of performance.

According to MacRumors, future iMac models will likely be equipped with the S-Series chips, specifically the Intel Core i7-770K, Core i7-770, Core i5-7600K, Core i5-7600 and the Core i5-7500 processors. They will be accompanied by the Intel HD Graphics 630.

Meanwhile, the H-Series chips will be ideal for the 15-inch MacBook Pro update. The Intel Core i7-7920HQ is expected for the top-tier model while the Core i7-7820HQ will be suitable for the midrange variant. For the entry-level laptop, the Intel Core i7-7700HQ could be used. All these processors will also be mated to the Intel HD Graphics 630.

Lastly, for the 13-inch MacBook Pro, the U-Series chips are said to be the most suitable including the Intel Core i5-7267U, the Core i5-7287U and the Core i7-7567U. These processors will come integrated with the Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640.