MacBook Air 2016 release date, specs, rumors: New ultra-thin laptop to merge with the MacBook Pro line?

A promotional image for the MacBook AirApple

The release of the MacBook Air 2016 remains a possibility, according to recent reports.

Despite rumors about the possible discontinuation of the MacBook Air, a report from iTechPost claimed that Apple Inc. is still planning to release the ultra-thin laptop product line before the end of the year.

The report mentioned that since the MacBook Pro product line remains one of the company's most saleable items, there could be a chance to see the tech firm cancel any plans for the MacBook Air to concentrate on the MacBook Pro. But the report also mentioned that there is also a possibility to see the ultra-thin laptop released under the MacBook Pro line.

On the other hand, a new report from Japanese tech blog site Macotakara mentioned that Apple will only cancel the 11-inch display variant of the MacBook Air so that they could concentrate on the new developments for its 13-inch display version.

Earlier reports claimed that the rumored 2016 upgraded version of MacBook Air will come out with a USB-Type C port, a Force Touch trackpad, a Touch ID to make it more secure for online transactions through Apple Pay, as well as a better battery to help the device function with a longer time. There is also a rumor saying that the new ultra-thin laptop will be equipped with the highly-anticipated Intel Kaby Lake processor, which is expected to be shipped to manufacturers later this year.

Other rumors claimed that the new laptop device will have Thunderbolt 3 ports, just like the upcoming MacBook Pro.

At the moment, Apple Inc. remains mum about the plans in unveiling the MacBook Air 2016 product. However, speculations claimed that the tech giant will make the announcement for the release of both the new MacBook Air and the next-generation MacBook Pro in their upcoming Earning's Call, on Tuesday, Oct. 25.