Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Apple could be preparing to launch not one but two premium MacBooks later this year, according to the latest reports. While the company has not officially confirmed any new laptops, recent reports from Bloomberg suggest that Apple is working on an all-new high-end MacBook alongside a refreshed MacBook Pro. If the reports turn out to be accurate, these machines could arrive in the coming months. However, there is another reason why these upcoming laptops are likely to attract more attention. Apple recently increased MacBook prices in countries like India by as much as Rs 1 lakh after citing rising memory costs, which means the next generation of premium MacBooks could carry even steeper price tags.
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The latest information comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who says Apple is expected to introduce a brand-new MacBook Ultra as well as a refreshed MacBook Pro powered by the M6 chip this fall.
Apple may launch a new MacBook Ultra alongside M6 MacBook Pro
For months, rumours suggested that Apple was planning a major redesign for the MacBook Pro. However, the latest reports now point towards a different strategy. Instead of redesigning the MacBook Pro, Apple is reportedly preparing an entirely new MacBook Ultra lineup that would sit above the current MacBook Pro range.
According to Gurman, this new laptop is expected to feature a touchscreen display, an OLED panel, a completely fresh design, and Apple’s M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. Although these processors are already available in the current MacBook Pro lineup, using them in a new premium product suggests Apple may be creating a separate flagship category rather than simply refreshing the existing Pro models.
Alongside this, Bloomberg also reports that Apple has tested its M6 chip in what is believed to be the next entry-level MacBook Pro, internally known as J804. Gurman wrote:
“Apple has tested the M6 chip as part of a refreshed entry-level MacBook Pro, code-named J804, which has been planned for this year.”
The report also claims Apple could skip M6 Pro and M6 Max chips altogether and instead fast-track the development of M7 Pro and M7 Max processors for future high-end models.
If these reports are accurate, Apple’s premium laptop lineup later this year could include two major launches – a completely new MacBook Ultra with a redesigned body, touchscreen OLED display, and M5 Pro or M5 Max chips, alongside a refreshed MacBook Pro featuring the standard M6 processor while retaining its current design.
New MacBooks may come with higher prices
Even before Apple officially announces these laptops, buyers may need to prepare for premium pricing.
The company recently revised the prices of several MacBook and iPad models in India after CEO Tim Cook said price increases had become unavoidable because of rising memory costs across the global supply chain. The updated pricing recently went live on Apple’s India website and affects both MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models.
The biggest jump has been seen in the MacBook Pro lineup. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip and 16GB RAM, which launched at Rs 1,69,900, is now priced at Rs 2,39,900, showing an increase of Rs 70,000.
The higher-end 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 Max chip has become even more expensive. Its price has climbed from Rs 3,99,900 at launch to Rs 4,99,900, representing a massive Rs 1 lakh increase.
Considering Apple’s latest pricing strategy, any upcoming MacBook Ultra and M6 MacBook Pro are likely to launch at premium prices, especially if they bring some upgrades. While Apple has yet to announce these products officially, the latest reports suggest the company is preparing to expand its high-end MacBook lineup with some of its most expensive laptops yet.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
