April 27, 2024

Apple to Release New MacBook Air With USB-C Ports?

Posted July 27, 2016 at 7:21pm by iClarified · 15498 views
Apple is planning to release a new MacBook Air with USB-C ports, according to a new DigiTimes report. There has been speculation that Apple would drop the MacBook Air in favor of the new MacBook line; however, it appears that the MacBook Air could get at least one more update.

The site referenced the update in report on lackluster adoption of USB-C by notebook manufacturers.

Currently, Apple has decided to adopt the USB Type-C interface for its MacBook Air, while Asustek Computer and Hewlett-Packard (HP) are upgrading one of their notebooks' regular USB port to the Type-C. Lenovo, Acer and Dell are still evaluating the option.

There are two reasons notebook makers have been slow to adopt USB-C according to the site. First, the interface has an electric current higher than previous generation interfaces which could lead to interference and heat dissipation problems when adopting too many at once. Second, to obtain high speed transmission it requires an amplifier chip, a receiver chip and a special-spec transmission wire, which significantly raise product costs.

Much of Apple's MacBook line up is in desperate need of an update. Thankfully the company is said to be planning a major update to the MacBook Pro which a new OLED display touch bar above the keyboard, USB-C/Thunderbolt 3, and Touch ID. It's expected to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2016.

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