Apple’s Kaby lake plunge is all set to come in the form of the refreshed 2017 MacBook Pro range with the top-end 15-inch models touted to carry even 32 GB of desktop type RAM to satisfy demanding processing tasks, revealed KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Such a MacBook Pro version is slated to go into production by fourth quarter this year.
That obviously applies to those engaged in the multimedia industry with imaging and video processing requiring dollops of memory to get along with their tasks within a reasonable timeframe. Such a move can also be considered to be in response to the criticism Apple received post the launch of the touch bar enabled MacBook Pro that has its memory limited to 16 GB.
While Apple claimed the 16 GB limit is designed to allow for respectable battery times, it remains to be seen how the 32 GB RAM can balance out the jump in processing performance vis-a-vis battery backup times.
As SVP of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller explained, higher RAM require DDR memory types that again aren’t power efficient, which rules out their application in laptop devices. In fact, even logic board of a different design is needed to host DDR memory, which means the upcoming 2017 15-inch MacBook Pro will have a significant change in internal layout if it indeed comes with 32 gigs of RAM.
Worth mentioning, the MacBook Pro is just out of a battery drain issue thanks to a Safari update that has brought the laptop back to Consumers Report’s list of recommended laptops.
Consumer Reports is now happy with 2016 MacBook Pro after Safari update
Meanwhile, the range will start with the more modest 12-inch MacBook that will enter production by the second quarter itself. Further, the MacBook with Kaby Lake chips might also have a performance oriented version, one that comes with 16 GB of RAM. However, such a model isn’t likely to be mass produced and will rather by a built-to-order type.
Similarly, new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro built around a Kaby lake chip is expected to enter production by third quarter. No RAM figures have been associated with these versions though a 16 GB limit seems most practical given current memory design caps out at that.
