While Apple is already expected to unveil new Mac hardware at their upcoming WWDC conference, a new research note from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has an excellent track record when it comes to Apple rumors, as well as dwindling supplies of current MacBooks (highlighted by AppleInsider) give us even more cause to expect new MacBooks (and maybe even a new Mac Pro) to be unveiled at the event.
First up is a set of leaked SKUs revealed by 9to5Mac, which likely match up with new MacBook Pros.
The first series of codes that we have received are:
- MD711LL/A — Better — USA
- MD712LL/A — Best – USA
- MD760LL/A — Better – USA
- MD761LL/A — Best – USA
These SKUs likely belong to an Apple notebook that comes in two screen sizes. Each screen size will come in two configurations that will be diversified by internal specifications like processor speeds, RAM, and storage space. Currently, Apple sells two notebook lines that fit a refresh with these SKUs: both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with Retina display. The MacBook Air comes in two 11-inch configurations and two 13-inch models while the MacBook Pro with Retina display comes in two 13-inch models and two 15-inch configurations.
Couple that with reports of severe retail supply constrains for the Mac Pro, as well as supply constraints of the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, as reported by 9to5Mac:
[…]…sources say that global inventory levels for all MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with Retina display models are significantly constrained. Inventory constraints coupled with new part codes are likely an indication of an imminent refresh. Currently, though, we only have received one set of new SKUs, so we would say it is likely that at least the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with Retina display will be updated next week.
As well as a separate report from AppleInsider:
Amazon’s stockout applies to Apple’s entry-level 13-inch model, sporting a 2.5-gigahertz Intel Core i5 processor and 128 gigabytes of flash storage. Low inventory levels at authorized resellers are often one of the first signs of new hardware on the horizon, as Apple draws down its available inventory ahead of a new product launch.
While the entry-level model is sold out, Amazon still has remaining inventory of the higher end models with 256 gigabytes of flash storage, at processor speeds of 2.5 gigahertz and 2.6-gigahertz.
And finally, a research note from Ming-Chi Kuo, who previously predicted that new Mac models may be unveiled at WWDC (via both 9to5Mac and AppleInsider):
In a report this morning, one of the better Apple analysts, Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI securities listed his forecast for MacBook Pro and Air updates expected at WWDC. Apple’s annual developer-centric conference begins on June 10th with a keynote. The biggest change is Apple will move to Intel’s Haswell processors. These chips dramatically reduce power consumption, which in turn could allow Apple to need fewer batteries in the Retina MacBook Pros:
“We expect the new MacBook, featuring an upgrade to Intel’s (US) Haswell processor, will be in the spotlight for Apple at the upcoming WWDC from June 10. Along with the new processor, we expect the following modifications to each product line:
Retina MacBook Pro to be slimmer slightly, along with a camera upgrade. We expect the 13” Retina MacBook Pro will have a slightly slimmer form factor for increasing its portability. Also, we think the camera spec will be upgraded from HD to full HD. This will improve Facetime and video conference quality in the high resolution Retina display.”
Looks like it’s time to get ready for some new Macs based on Intel’s Haswell processor. Are you ready?
