MacBook Air 2017 release date, specs, news & update: Is Apple planning on cutting its Air lineup?

Apple's Mac-focused press event has just wrapped up and it looks like the MacBook Air will live another year as the tech company's new entry-level laptop.

After a minor update to the 13-inch model back in April 2016, the Apple's MacBook Air lineup is ripe for some massive feature overhauls. But major Air updates will have to wait another year  since the laptop has already been given a minor 8GB RAM upgrade. This came at the heels of the 11-inch Air variant getting officially axed. 

When a MacRumors reader emailed Tim Cook himself regarding rumors about Apple cutting the entire Mac line, the Apple CEO responded, "I love the Mac and we are very committed to it." While this did not confirm a possible MacBook Air update this year, a promising, "Stay tuned," may have just suggested that despite persistent rumors to the contrary, Apple is not planning on abandoning this line anytime soon.

If and when Apple does plan on refreshing its MacBook Air line in major ways, upcoming models are rumored to be much thinner and lighter than their predecessors with significant internal spec upgrades including new batteries and cooling modules. It could also feature the next-generation Intel Kaby Lake processors and USB -C ports integrated with Thunderbolt 3.

The much awaited Retina display could also finally come to the MacBook Air 2017. There are speculations that a 15-inch model may be introduced in the next Apple event possibly taking place on March 2017. The upcoming Air could also finally feature Apple's virtual assistant, Siri, via the macOS Sierra that may come pre-installed on future models of the MacBook Air.

The prices may range from $899 for the 13-inch Air and $999 for the rumored 15-inch variant.

Nothing is set in stone yet and Apple has yet to make an official statement regarding the possible release of a MacBook Air 2017.