MacBook Air 2016 Release Date and Rumors: Recent Price Hikes In Non-US Market Indicate Delay?
Apple surprised all by not releasing a MacBook at its big event back in September when iPhone 6S debuted. The move also fueled rumors that the Cupertino giant could hold another event just before the holiday season. However, if recent price hikes of Macs in several non-US markets are any indication, the new laptops are not coming any time soon.
9to5 Mac recently reported that currency revisions, prompted by changes in exchange rates, which are required to be done when a company reports its earnings saw Mac prices increase by AUD $ 80 and $ 200 in Australia. Similar hikes were also implemented in Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Thailand and New Zealand.
A price drop of previous generation products is usually seen as a harbinger of next generation of products. That said, though the price hike was due to reasons beyond Apple's control, the absence of discounts in these key markets could indicate that Mac users may have to wait the year out before MacBook Air 2016 and the new MacBook Pro are released.
Apple is said to have deferred the release of MacBooks at September event to allow enough time for the release and growth of its iPad Pro in the market. Additionally, speculation is rife that the iPhone maker is planning to use Intel Skylake processors in its latest generation of laptops. These chips may not be available until the end of last quarter this year, which has also been cited for the delay in release of the new Macs.
