Rumored 12-inch MacBook Air with Retina display to launch in Q2, report says
While rumors surrounding Apple's purported 12-inch MacBook Air have died down amid Apple Watch hype, a new report on Wednesday claims partner manufacturers have already started mass production of the device in preparation of a second quarter launch.
The new information was thrown in at the tail end of a The Wall Street Journal article regarding production of a rumored 12.9-inch iPad model.
Citing unnamed sources with knowledge of Apple's operations, the publication said the company plans to release the anticipated 12-inch MacBook Air "in large quantities" in the second quarter of 2015. An exact date wasn't mentioned, but with Apple Watch coming in April, Apple could be planning a debut at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference expected to kick off in June.
As for current progress, sources said Apple suppliers have already started mass production of the thin-and-light and are building stock for shipment.
Today's report runs counter to predictions from well-informed analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who in January forecast Apple's 12-inch MacBook Air to launch before April. In February, AppleInsider learned that Apple gave its distribution partners the green light to reduce prices on current 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air models. The inventory pruning measure is usually applied in the weeks leading up to a new product launch or refresh.
Not much is known about the supposed 12-inch MacBook Air, but rumors point to a high-resolution Retina quality display and ultra-thin form factor. Photos of what was claimed to be a fully assembled display hit the Web in January boasting a "polished" Apple logo, a departure from the glowing version seen on current MacBooks.
The new information was thrown in at the tail end of a The Wall Street Journal article regarding production of a rumored 12.9-inch iPad model.
Citing unnamed sources with knowledge of Apple's operations, the publication said the company plans to release the anticipated 12-inch MacBook Air "in large quantities" in the second quarter of 2015. An exact date wasn't mentioned, but with Apple Watch coming in April, Apple could be planning a debut at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference expected to kick off in June.
As for current progress, sources said Apple suppliers have already started mass production of the thin-and-light and are building stock for shipment.
Today's report runs counter to predictions from well-informed analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who in January forecast Apple's 12-inch MacBook Air to launch before April. In February, AppleInsider learned that Apple gave its distribution partners the green light to reduce prices on current 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air models. The inventory pruning measure is usually applied in the weeks leading up to a new product launch or refresh.
Not much is known about the supposed 12-inch MacBook Air, but rumors point to a high-resolution Retina quality display and ultra-thin form factor. Photos of what was claimed to be a fully assembled display hit the Web in January boasting a "polished" Apple logo, a departure from the glowing version seen on current MacBooks.
Comments
Why would you want to go from a 13.3" screen to a 12" one? I think most people would take the extra screen estate over a Retina display.
I just hope they finally get rid of the aluminum bezel around the screen.
That is actually one of the main reasons I've stuck with my 13" Pro.
If they fit in a 12.9" screen or bigger, then I buy this. Otherwise, I don't.
Why would you want to go from a 13.3" screen to a 12" one? I think most people would take the extra screen estate over a Retina display.
I'm anxiously awaiting for a 12" Retina MacBook Air to replace my current 2013 13" MacBook Air. I hate seeing these damn pixels!
And further, they have little need to announce a new iPad this soon after the imminent launch of the Watch, and likely other product refreshes. I mean, its not like they need the money...
I wouldn't, but I wouldn't assume to speak for 'most people' either so I can't say if a smaller high-res screen would work for the majority or not.
I think it is called filler. When you have no real news to report report gibberish! ????????????????