DigiTimes Research: Only three new MacBook models expected this fall

One of the most anticipated announcements from Apple this fall is the arrival of new Macs, and a report from DigiTimes Research discovered by AppleInsider shows that Apple is likely to ship only three new MacBook models. The big surprise? That Apple might very well drop the 11-inch model of the MacBook Air.

DigiTimes Research expects that the new notebooks will help drive Apple to double-digit percentage year-on-year growth, but that the final numbers for 2016 will likely show a drop due to the late nature of the MacBook updates.

Japanese site Macotakara also noted yesterday that it expects to hear announcements of new 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pros within the next few days, with the 13-inch MacBook Air also slated for an upgrade. But the 11-inch MacBook Air — Apple’s least expensive option at $899 — will most likely be dropped in favor of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

If the new machines arrive this month, it’s expected that the Pro models have an OLED Control Strip that changes based on the app currently being used. Touch ID might also make a debut on the MacBook Pro, which would bring the popular iPhone feature to Macs for the first time.