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Intel 'Kaby Lake' Processors for MacBook Pro, iMac, MacBook, etc: Already Way Behind the Curve?
Apple released the 2016 MacBook Pro starting in November 2016 utilizing processors that had some limitations, including a 16GB memory limit (or at least that limit given power consumption considerations).
In January 2017, Intel announced many additional new 'Kaby Lake' CPUs. These new CPUs offer more range of power and clock speed options, and some incremental improvements.
B&H Photo already shows a wide range of Intel Kaby Lake PCs.
A product 'bump' might occur in 2017 for the 2016 MacBook Pro, though this seems unlikely until at least June. But it may include a MacBook Pro with a 32GB memory option (!), perhaps as early as June, perhaps as late as Q3. Having 32GB goes a long way towards making the MBP 'pro' again.
MPG advises pro uses to defer purchase of a MacBook Pro if not immediately required. There is not much 'pro' in the current MacBook Pro lineup, the 2016 model being actually slower than the 2015 and 2013 models in some cases.
More likely is a new MacBook relatively soon—hopefully not one crippled again by having only a single USB-C/Thundebolt 3 port.
What’s possible in a laptop?
While Apple dithers and makes a non-pro MacBook Pro, vendors of high-end true professional-grade laptops just shut up and deliver.
It’s just that Apple won’t step up to the plate and do it. Few professional users care about marketing-bozo ideas on reduced battery life or “it’s not pretty enough” rationalizations for pro machines that are really just overpriced dilettante consumer toys. Imagine if a machine of this power were offered by Apple (but with a Retina display and PCIe SSD). It would be snapped up by pros for all sorts of reasons. Which leads us to crux of the issue: Apple does not build computers for professionals any more, hence the odds of getting one are modest at best.
