MacBook Air to Get Core i3/i5 Upgrade (Rumor)

While it is unclear why HardMac is under the impression that Apple is gearing up to upgrade the MacBook Air, the publication cites recent rumors as suggesting that the Mac maker just might. The site claims it’s possible that Intel sends new chips in the form of first samples over to Apple, at a premium price, but in small quantities.

“While most computer manufacturers have already announced and/or released their Intel Core i3/i5-based notebook models, Apple is still offering Core 2 Duo-based units and will most likely quickly move on to the new Intel mobile platform,” the report in question reads. Indeed, Apple’s MacBook line still relies on the Core 2 Duo line of processors, while the Core i3 and i5 are the primary contenders for an upgrade. The upgrade would mostly translate into benefits across the battery life and graphics.

Still, although it’s fairly possible Apple is upgrading the MacBook Air soon, the HardMac report doesn’t seem to be pointing out to any piece of evidence regarding these potential developments in Cupertino. “According to the last rumors,” HardMac says, “the MacBook Air might not be updated in a very near future with either Core i3/i5 [as] it uses [a] Low Voltage version of the Intel mobile CPUs. Such processors are not fully ready/available and Apple will have to delay the update of the MacBook Air by [a] couple of weeks. It is still possible that Intel ships first samples to Apple, in small quantities, at a premium price. It is true that the MacBook Air does not look really sexy anymore when compared to the MacBook Pro 13.3"... maybe not for long.”

Again, the MacBook Air hasn’t seen an upgrade in a while, so it’s fairly possible Apple is planning to do the necessary adjustments sooner rather than later. This, however, is no indication the MacBook Air is getting an upgrade, Softpedia believes. In fact, the MacBook Air isn’t really all that popular to begin with. Apple may just shave a few bucks off the available configurations, for the time being.