MacBook Air 2016 release date: Laptop iteration potentially cancelled

MacBook Air 2014, current model of the MacBook AirApple

The MacBook Air laptop has been around for nearly a decade, and according to a report from GameNGuide, it is possible that the rumored MacBook Air 2016 will no longer see the light of day. Instead, the report states that Apple may continue with the current model of the MacBook Air without giving it any substantial upgrades to keep its price low.

If this proves true then the MacBook Air will serve as the budget product from Apple, particularly when compared to the new MacBook Pro 2016 and whatever new laptop the company is planning to use the Intel Skylake processors on. There are rumors, however, suggesting that the MacBook Air 2016 may still get the Skylake processor. 

According to a report from Tech Radar, if the MacBook Air is indeed coming soon, with or without any substantial updates, it is likely going to launch this June 13 during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). This is when Apple tends to release several new products.

However, Apple's current platform for WWDC indicates it will focus more on software such as iOS 10, watchOS and tvOS. If this is true then there may not be a reason to release the new MacBook Air until September, which is the general timeframe Apple uses to launch new models of the iPad and iPhone. 

If the new MacBook Air does release it is estimated to cost at $899 for the lowest model and this will make it one of the more affordable laptops from Apple. According to TechRadar, sales for MacBook products have started to decline. This reiterated by GameNGuide which states that the company is starting to feel the weight from its competitors.

Due to these issues the company is likely hoping that a less expensive MacBook will win over consumers. However, this means that the newer MacBook Air will not carry significant upgrades to keep its retail price down.