MacBook Pro 2017 release date, news, specs rumors: Mass production predicted to begin this July; Apple replacing Intel processors with own ARM-based chips?

Clarissa Partosa Monday, March 13, 2017

Apple CEO Tim Cook speaking under a graphic of the new MacBook Pro during an Apple media event in Cupertino, California, U.S. in October 2016. | Reuters/Beck Diefenbach

The new lineup of Apple's MacBook Pro series is anticipated to undergo mass production in the third quarter of 2017. Meanwhile, Apple is planning to replace Intel processors on their laptop devices.

The last update to the MacBook Pro lineup was launched only last October, but anticipation for the 2017 model remains strong. One reason why there is strong anticipation for a new model is because its current Intel processors are outdated compared to other laptops.

However, KDI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that a mass production for a new MacBook Pro line-up will happen in the second or third quarter of 2017, wherein the updated Kaby Lake processors will be among its features.

A 12-inch MacBook Pro is said to enter mass production this March, while the 13-inch and 15-inch models will undergo mass production in July, MacRumors reported.

Aside from new Kaby Lake processors, the new 12-inch MacBook model might be equipped with a 16 GB RAM option, which will replace the 8GB RAM feature of the current MacBook 12-inch models.

There is also a possibility that the release of a new MacBook Pro lineup will be delayed to wait for Apple's ARM-based chip processors fit for the company's laptop devices.

Bloomberg reports that Apple is currently designing a new chip that will replace the role of Intel processors in its laptops. ARM-based chips are already used by iPhones and iPads, but Apple aims to create one for its MacBooks to enable more security features and less battery usage.

One way Apple's ARM-based chips can lessen battery usage is improving the MacBook Pro's power nap function. The power nap that enables Mac laptops to receive e-mails, install software updates, and perform other functions while the display is not in use can be developed to have little to minimum battery usage when running on the ARM chip.

The MacBook Pro 2017 is anticipated to be launched later this year.