MacBook Air Retina Release Date, Specs & Features: Laptop Out in Summer?

New rumors are suggesting that the alleged new MacBook Air with Retina display will be out in summer next year.

The speculations about the next-generation laptop's release date were reported by KpopStarz.

The International Business Times gives a more specific date for its release -- in June next year -- during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference.

KpopStarz said that the alleged new MacBook is set to be known as the "best" laptop Apple has so far released. Apple has yet to issue its comment or statement to confirm these rumors.

So why is it considered the best?

According to another International Business Times report, analysts have considered the latest rumors about the device as a "game changer" for the Cupertino-based giant.

One of the biggest changes being eyed in the new laptop is the Retina display. To note, the Retina display had already been in other Apple products such as MacBook Pro, iMac, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPod Touch, iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Mini.

New size

IB Times said that a new size -- 12 inches -- for the laptop might finally come along the way. It said that the new size has already been predicted by several analysts. Do you know the reason behind the new size? The report said that it might be a way to revive Apple's computer line.

The rumors about the new size are backed by a Mac Rumors report which cited the prediction of KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The analyst also predicted that the new MacBook Air will be lighter and slimmer than the current MacBook Air and will definitely be better than its predecessors.

To note, the current MacBook Pro with Retina Display is available on two sizes -- 13 inches and 15 inches. The current MacBook Air is also available on two sizes -- 11 inches and 13 inches.

Touch ID feature and new trackpad design

IB Times said that there are also rumors that the new MacBook Air might get a Touch ID feature which is currently available on some of the latest iPhones -- iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus. However, Gadgets Insider believes otherwise, saying this feature may not make it to the new Macbook.

Another Mac Rumors report, meanwhile, said that the new MacBook might also have a new trackpad design.

Colors

IB Times says the new MacBook Air will likely be available in three colors -- gold, space grey, and aluminum grey.

Processor

According to The Fuse Joplin, the new MacBook Air is expected to get the new Intel Broadwell-U processor. These new chips, it noted, will pave the way for "thinner and quieter" but "faster" devices.

The new MacBook Air with Retina display was first rumored to be out in October but it apparently did not push through due to lack of supply of Intel's Broadwell chips, Apple Insider said.

It also noted that the new MacBook will also likely not make it this Christmas. The report added that the new chips will also provide some power saving advantages.

KpopStarz also speculates that there is also a possibility that the MacBook might come out of the market with the next generation of iPads.