Leaked SKUs likely point to MacBook refresh at WWDC as inventory tightens

Current Airs + Retina Pros

According to a set of leaked part codes for upcoming Apple products, Apple will likely debut a refresh to at least one of its MacBook lines at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference. Apple will kickoff WWDC 2013 with a keynote address on Monday, June 10th. Last year, Apple introduced new Macs at the WWDC 2012 keynote, so it seems likely that the impending MacBook refresh will occur at this year’s keynote rather than during another time over the course of the week.

The first series of codes that we have received are:

MD711LL/A — Better — USA

MD712LL/A — Best — USA

MD760LL/A — Better — USA

MD761LL/A — Best — USA

These SKUs likely belong to an Apple notebook that comes in two screen sizes. Each screen size will come in two configurations that will be diversified by internal specifications like processor speeds, RAM, and storage space. Currently, Apple sells two notebook lines that fit a refresh with these SKUs: both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with Retina display. The MacBook Air comes in two 11-inch configurations and two 13-inch models while the MacBook Pro with Retina display comes in two 13-inch models and two 15-inch configurations.

Simultaneous with the appearance of these new product SKUs, sources say that global inventory levels for all MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with Retina display models are significantly constrained. Inventory constraints coupled with new part codes are likely an indication of an imminent refresh. Currently, though, we only have received one set of new SKUs, so we would say it is likely that at least the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with Retina display will be updated next week.

Additionally, the Mac mini and the Mac Pro are also constrained, according to our sources, but not as critically as the aforementioned Apple laptops. With that in mind, we would say refreshes to Apple’s screen-less desktops are likely on tap for later this year, while we expect MacBook changes are more likely to take place next week. Sources also say that Apple’s non-Retina MacBook Pros are not constrained, so those machines are likely far from a refresh (if one even is even planned for the future).

In terms of what these new MacBooks will likely gain, an analyst recently claimed that the MacBook Air is set to gain an improved microphone system and better front-facing camera, while the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display could become slightly slimmer than the current version.

Sources have also provided another set of Apple product SKUs, but we are not certain what these part codes belong to:

ME177LL/A — Better — USA

ME182LL/A — Best — USA

ME918LL/A — Good — USA

At WWDC, Apple will also debut iOS 7 and OS X 10.9. iOS 7 will likely include a new user-interface, new sharing options, and improved in-car integration. The new Mac operating system will include enhancements focused on power-users.