Apple MacBook Pro 2016 may replace MacBook Air

In 2016, Apple is widely expected to unveil 13-inch and 15-inch models of MacBook Pro. The tech giant is rumoured to announce the new 2016 MacBook Pro notebooks on June 13 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).

Apple is yet to confirm MacBook Pro 2016 release date.

Fresh rumours indicate that Apple will not unveil new MacBook Air models in 2016 and might replace it with the upcoming MacBook Pro line-up. Citing its sources, tech blogger Jack March mentioned that Apple might never release any product with ‘Air’ branding.

The blog post titled “Apple has probably killed the Air brand,” noted by BGR, indicates that the new MacBook Pro models will be “thinner (at thickest point) and lighter than the current MacBook Air models.”

According to previous rumours, the new 2016 MacBook Pro will sport stunning design elements inspired by the 12-inch MacBook launched back in 2015.

A patent application filed by Apple in September 2015 indicates that the 2016 MacBooks might incorporate a touch-sensitive keyboard without keys. The patent filing was published by the United States Patent & Trademark Office last week.

In the patent, Apple referred the unique technology as “zero-travel” input structure. The new range of devices will not house physical keys as used in conventional laptops. According to Apple, conventional trackpads for laptops are “susceptible to damage.”

The new flat, touch-sensitive keypad will be able to sense multiple levels of pressure from fingers and return feedback accordingly.

Moreover, the new MacBook Pro 2016 lineup is said to be powered by Intel’s latest Skylake processors, paired with 256GB of internal storage space. The refreshed MacBook Pro models are expected to sport multiple USB Type-C ports as well as Thunderbolt 3.

Prevailing rumours also indicate that the next generation of 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro will come with 8GB and 16 of RAM respectively. The Retina Display may also optimise power usage and result in longer battery life.

Related: Apple MacBook Pro 2016 update - Speculated release date, specs and more