Low-Cost MacBook With Kaby Lake Processor Launching Next Month?

If industry sources are to be believed, Apple could be introducing its long-rumored, low-cost MacBook next month alongside its highly anticipated trio of next-generation iPhones.

Industry sources disclosed to Digitimes late last week that the Cupertino giant has already scheduled the release of its entry-level MacBook series to happen in September. They also claimed that the series will feature Intel’s 14nm Kaby Lake processor.

The sources also gave an explanation on why it took so long for Apple to prep the low-cost MacBook for release. According to them, the inexpensive laptop was originally set for release in the fourth quarter of last year. At the time, Apple was hoping to use Intel’s 10nm manufacturing process on the device’s processor.

Due to some technical issues however, Intel delayed its 10nm manufacturing process. The company also decided to just launch the technology in the second half of next year because only then will it be able to manufacture 10nm CPUs.

Because Apple could no longer wait for the 10nm process to be available, it decided to just use Intel processors that are based on the improved 14nm Kaby Lake architecture. For this reason, Apple is reportedly introducing the all-new 13-inch MacBook next month.

Apple’s upcoming macOS-running laptop is said to cost $1,200. The tech giant has estimated that it could ship around eight million units of its inexpensive MacBook this year. Sources also said that Apple’s new laptop is likely to undermine demand for first-tier devices from its rivals.

IBTimes learned early last week that Taiwanese manufacturer Quanta Computer received orders from Apple for new “inexpensive notebooks.” The notebooks were said to refer to all-new MacBook Air with Retina Display devices. At the time though, sources said Apple was going to introduce the new laptop either in September or October.

But now that industry sources are saying that Apple is launching a new MacBook next month, it’s clear that the tech giant is planning to introduce its new laptop alongside its new iOS 12-running smartphones. As of late, Apple is rumored to launch a 5.8-inch OLED iPhone, a 6.5-inch OLED iPhone and a 6.1-inch LCD iPhone.

Other products that Apple could be showcasing next month are two new iPad Pros. The tablets are said to come with 11-inch and 12.9-inch displays. They are also reportedly coming with the newly-designed 18W power adaptor with USB Type-C interface. Also, Apple is expected to finally announce the launch schedule for its AirPower wireless charger next month.