Apple is tipped to launch a new MacBook Pro range this week with Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors.

The range, which is expected to be released on Wednesday, will include three 15-inch models and a single 17-inch model. There is also speculation that Apple will increase the price of the new models by as much as $130.

It’s thought that the MacBook Pro line will feature Core i5 and Core i7 processors, which may sport similar stock clock speeds but be substantially faster than the outgoing Core 2 Duo models. Also likely on top of these is switching to NVIDIA Optimus graphics to save energy; the higher-priced entry model may reflect this as Apple would have to use a discrete graphics chip instead of the integrated GeForce 9400M used today.

A MacBook Pro update could come as soon as Tuesday and may also include a refresh of the white plastic MacBook and MacBook Air.