MacBook Pro 2016 Rumors, Release Date, Specs: Notebook To Feature Skylake Chip, Touch ID?

by Jen Mendoza / Jan 30, 2016 08:07 PM EST

Apple MacBook Pro computers with Retina displays stand at a table at a Gravis Apple retailer on Nov. 6, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Apple users are staying tuned to MacBook Pro 2016 rumors, as they eagerly anticipate the device's official release date and specs.

But what is making consumers giddy excitement is the possibility that the latest iteration of the MacBook Pro will finally get the sixth generation Skylake chip in time for the device's projected June launch, according to 9to5Mac.

This is expected to be a boon to Apple patrons, as Skylake will not only provide a significant increase in CPU speed - which may be in the 10-20 percent range - but also a 40 percent improvement in graphic performance.

Skylake chips are more power efficient than the current Broadwell and Haswell processors contained in the current MacBook Pro models, as the former offers power savings of up to 15-30 percent.

Moreover, Skylake incorporates a couple of new wireless communication standards, WiDi - Wireless Display - and WiGig, short-range high-speed wireless data of up to 7Gbps.

Among the other MacBook Pro 2016 rumors that Apple followers want to validate regarding the laptop's release date and specs, is the inclusion of the Touch ID, which is already installed in the iPhone.

As the fingerprint technology was already introduced to the Mac desktops in 2007, Apple could in fact do a "continuity-style" approach that would allow owners to log in to their MacBooks using their iPhones.

Finally, there are speculations that Apple just might decide to drop the MacBook Air label and just leave two ranges which include the popular MacBook and MacBook Pro models.

But amidst the MacBook Pro 2016 rumors that have been circulating of late, Apple executives and investors need not worry about the company's financial standing, as business is expected to remain strong and will continue to grow this year, reported the Apple Insider.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo KGI Securities projected that the upcoming MacBook lineup could provide a major boost to Apple this year.

Kuo noted that the company's notebooks have achieved "solid growth" and he expects this trend to continue as the latest MacBook models are anticipated to be rolled out by June.

In a note provided to Apple's investors, the analyst also pointed that that the demand for newly upgraded MacBook models will also largely benefit the company's suppliers SZS and Casetek.

MacBook Pro 2016 rumors, specifically regarding its specs, are expected to gain momentum, as Apple gears up for a final release date.