Macbook Air, Pro 2014 release date, specs rumors: Touch screen display, solar charging and Pro to drop optical drive?

Macbook Air Apple

A new line of Macbook Air and Pro notebooks are expected to launch at Apple's World Wide Developer's Conference in June this year.

The WWDC 2014 dates have yet to be announced, but the Macbook Air laptops are scheduled for an upgrade, and will likely launch at the upcoming event.

The current Macbook Air boasts powerful specs and amazing battery life. The 11-inch lasts 9 hours, while the 13-inch lasts up to 12 hours.

The Macbook Air packs a 1.3 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with 4GB RAM, 802.1 Wi-Fi and OS X Mavericks.

Fans are curious as to what new features Apple will add to the successful Macbook Air line.

It is rumored that the new 2014 Macbook Air will pack a touch screen and touch buttons. Many laptop/tablet hybrids provide a touch screen option, and Apple may integrate that feature onto the Macbook Air displays.

Patents filed by Apple also point to several features that may be included in the new Macbook Air.

Touch buttons may be incorporated onto the Macbook chassis, allowing input and output functions.

The trackpad is also said to be improved with "force sensors and actuator feedback" which will enable users to use the trackpad with sensors alone rather than tapping it.

The Macbook Air may also be powered by solar display as an option. According to another U.S. Patent filed by Apple, the two-sided "electronic device display module" will allow one side to function as solar charging component with rear touch inputs.

Meanwhile, Apple is rumored to stop production of its non-retina Macbook Pro laptops with optical drive. The Cupertino-based company is expected to phase out the brand and replace the line with retina-displays.

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