MacBook Pro 2017 release date, latest news: Will Apple release a 15-inch MacBook Pro with Kaby Lake and 32GB desktop-class RAM this year?

After Intel officially launched its seventh generation Kaby Lake processors, Apple reportedly has every intention of using them.

According to MacRumors, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that that the Cupertino-based company is planning to release a MacBook Pro update later this year, and it will be powered by Intel's Kaby Lake chipset.

Kuo mentioned that new 12-inch MacBook models with Kaby Lake processors will commence mass production sometime in the early second quarter. He also noted that a 16GB RAM option could be added to the roster as a high-end or built-to-order configuration. Currently, the existing 12-inch MacBook models only feature 8GB of RAM.

As for the upcoming 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models, Kuo said that both models will also be equipped with Kaby Lake processors and will commence mass production in the early third quarter, around July. These models may run on 16GB of RAM

Kuo also mentioned that a 15-inch MacBook model will also be equipped with 32GB of RAM, and it is scheduled to enter mass production in the fourth quarter of this year, starting in September. This particular model will reportedly be "the most significantly redesigned product this year" and will adopt desktop-class RAM in order to satisfy Apple's high-end users.

Even though it wasn't specifically mentioned, the 15-inch MacBook with 32GB of RAM is speculated to be a part of the upcoming MacBook Pro lineup that will be released this year. Other than the faster processors and increased memory, the 2017 MacBook Pro models will essentially be similar in design to the existing models which were released in 2016.

Apple has yet to issue an official statement confirming that new MacBook Pro models will be released this year. However, as reported by The Bitbag, the MacBook Pro 2016 with TouchBar is currently on sale, possibly to usher in the upcoming launch of the MacBook Pro 2017. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar can be purchased for only $1,599.99 at Adorama, $200 cheaper than its normal retail price, for Apple Insider readers.

Considering that huge discounts are not that common for Apple gadgets which have only been out on the market for a few months, there are those who suspect that the discounted price indicate the impending launch of the MacBook Pro 2017.