Malcolm Owen
Filings with the Eurasian Economic Commission indicate Apple is preparing to launch a large batch of new or refreshed MacBooks in the near future, with seven model numbers found to have been added to the regulator's database on Thursday.
The filings for the model numbers are listed at the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) website as A2141, A2147, S2158, A2159, A2179, A2182, and A2251. The model numbers are similar to those of other MacBooks, indicating they could be from the same product family, with the additional description of the numbers being for "portable" computers seemingly confirming that suspicion.
The EEC filings are legally required for devices to be sold with encryption-related elements in Russia and other countries, including Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. While the filings typically provide very little data, aside from the existence of models and product categories, it does serve as an indicator that Apple is planning to launch products in the coming months, or even sooner.
The model numbers were first reported by MacRumors.
Aside from a refresh of existing models, there is a possibility the model numbers could be related to a 16-inch MacBook Pro option that has surfaced in rumors. Possibly a new larger tier beyond the current 15-inch versions, the 16-inch model could use OLED displays supplied by Samsung.
There has also been speculation on the possibility of Apple using mini LED backlights to create even larger models, possibly reviving the 17-inch MacBook Pro the company discontinued in 2012.
AppleInsider Staff
Oliver Haslam
Andrew O'Hara
Wesley Hilliard
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
56 Comments
1. I’m really hoping the long-neglected MacBook gets a total refresh. And a bit lower price. I know, I’m a dreamer ...
2. Even if that “16-inch” rumour turns out to be true, everyone understands that that’s just the 15-inch MBP with a thinner bezel, right? I would expect this year’s MBP updates to be minor spec bumps and possibly thinner bezels, not much more than that. I’m guessing that we won’t see a major redesign of the MBP before 2020.
Looking forward! Crossing fingers for models with more key travel and without Touch Bar, but I'm not holding my breath.
Has anyone kept track in the past of how long time has elapsed from these database listings to actual product launches? (Yes, the article states "in the coming months, or even sooner", but I was thinking of a table or statistical analysis.)
Too many SKUs. Hasn't Apple learned?