MacBook Air 2016 release date rumors swirling around launch in 2017 if not cancelled

Apple's current 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air notebooksApple

This year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) held by Apple had come and gone and the company did not unveil any news regarding a new entry in the MacBook Air laptop lineup. According to a report from MacWorld, this could lead to only two possibilities: either it will launch as late as March 2017 or has been cancelled.

The report also reiterates a statement made by Tim Cook last December when he compared it to someone already owning a desktop computer. According to Cook, the iPad Pro already serves as a desktop computer and tablet to many and they would no longer need to buy a separate desktop or tablet and only leave their iPad Pro behind to use their phone.

With that said it is likely that the iPad Pro and other Apple products will be taking over the need for a MacBook Air, particularly now that the MacBook Pro is still getting a few updates and reiterations over the years. With just the iPad Pro, MacBook Pro and the current iPhone 6s and 6s Edge, there may be no need for a MacBook Air. 

However, the report does state that the MacBook Air is in the more affordable price range and is likely the most viable entry-level choice for many consumers. Getting rid of the MacBook Air may mean Apple will lose this specific target niche but can be recovered with their other products.

If the MacBook Air 2016 does indeed get launched it is speculated to be delayed to March 2017, when Apple conducts another brand-new major event. There is an event coming this August and September, which is when Apple launches their new phones and is expected to see the launch of the iPhone 7. 

The MacBook Air 2016 is expected to see a few updates such as a Retina display, faster processor and more powerful onboard capabilities that will make it the bridging device between the iPad Pro and the MacBook Pro.