Intel has debuted the next generation of its Core i5 and i7 processors, according to a report from CPU World. Each of these updated chips sports a 200 MHz speed boost over its previous incarnation, which can currently be found in the MacBook Pro lineup. It’s likely that these processors will be found in a spec-bumped version of the MacBook Pro later this year.
The current series of MacBook Pro processors are available at clock speeds of 2.0 GHz (in the lowest-end 13-inch model) up to 2.6 GHz (in the top-of-the-line, built-to-order 15-inch model). The next-gen models released this week range from 2.2 to 3.0 GHz, which will provide a decent speed boost to each model.
Earlier this year Apple refreshed the MacBook Air with upgraded Haswell processors after Intel released new versions of the chips in those machines. It’s expected that Apple will do the same for the Pro line following the release of these newer i5 and i7 CPUs. Intel is currently working on its new Broadwell line of processors that will reportedly allow for the creation of a fanless MacBook Air, which will likely open the door a similar move for the MacBook Pro.
