MacBooks
Summary
Apple's next MacBook updates are expected to feature Intel's Intel's "Skylake" chip technology. The new CPUs will optimize both speed and power consumption, while furthering technologies like WiGig peripheral connections and wireless charging.
Features
- New Macs with 14-nm architecture
- Expected to arrive late 2015/early 2016
- Faster CPU, graphics performance
- Better battery life
- WiGig wireless peripheral connections
Performance
Not much is known about Apple's next-generation Macs, but it is widely expected that they will run Intel Skylake chips that are scheduled to debut in late 2015. That would put future Mac upgrades on track for either late 2015 or early 2016.
The Skylake platform is Intel's follow-up to Broadwell, and will offer the usual performance improvements -- boosting CPU speeds by 10 to 20 percent, and integrated graphics chips by 16 to 41 percent -- but also continue a trend towards efficient power use, thanks to smaller 14-nanometer archictecture. In laptops, switching to Skylake could add as much as 30 percent more battery life.
Connectivity
Long-term, though, one of the most important changes may be support for WiGig, a standard allowing automatic wireless connections with peripherals like keyboards, mice, and even monitors. The platform will also support wireless charging, and numerous smaller standards upgrades.
While it's highly likely that Apple will adopt Skylake in upcoming Macs, whether the company will take advantage of the technology's more advanced features — such as wireless charging — remains to be seen.
Design
Apple is not expected to make major changes to the exterior design of its MacBook products, which are currently divided into MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lines.
No articles found