Since Apple has replaced its iPad lineup with the powerful iPad Pro series that can be used as a laptop by connecting an optional keyboard, rumors started swirling that the company may have killed its entry-level MacBook Air netbook lineup. However, fresh information details hint a MacBook Air sans OLED Touch Bar will be releasing soon.

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In the previous Apple had released improved versions of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. In the last quarter of 2016, Apple released a 13-inch and a 15-inch editions of MacBook Pro (2016). Both feature OLED Touch Bar panels that replace the function keys.

A 13-inch MacBook Pro with lower configuration sans OLED Touch Bar was also launched with cheaper pricing. According to The Inquisitr, people who are disappointed with this variant have dubbed it as "MacBook Air with Touch Bar." It also lacks ports.

As far as MacBook Air (2016) is concerned, it was launched in April. The only major change that was introduced was that its base model comes with 8 GB of RAM instead of 4 GB of RAM found on predecessor models.

Fresh speculations suggest that the MacBook Air has not been axed. In fact, its new edition is expected to arrive without a Touch Bar. Since none of the previous MacBook Air models have featured a Retina Display, rumors have consistently hinted that the MacBook Air (2017) would feature a Retina Display.

The 11.6-inch MacBook Air model was discontinued in October. Hence, there is no confirmation whether the 2017 model will come in a single screen size variant of 13-inch or it was also feature a 11-inh model. A 15-inch MacBook Air (2017) is also rumored to be in works.

It is expected to running on Intel Kaby Lake chipset and macOS Sierra. Since "ARM HURRICANE" was found mentioned in macOS Sierra kernel, it is speculated that the MacBook Air (2017) would be running on Apple's ARM chipset, Mac World reported. Its other rumored specs include USB 3.1, Display Port 1.2 and Thunderbolt 3 integrated USB Type-C.

As far as launch is concerned, the Cupertino company may launch it in March alongside other devices like iPad Pro 2, 128 GB iPhone SE and Red color edition of iPhone 7. It is expected to be priced at $930 for the base model.

Here is a rumor roundup of MacBook Air (2017):