Mikey Campbell
Noted KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts Apple to launch a next-generation 13-inch MacBook model in the third quarter of 2016, which would expand the company's thin-and-light lineup directly into 13-inch MacBook Pro territory.
In a note obtained by AppleInsider on Monday, Kuo says the forthcoming form factor will join Apple's existing 12-inch MacBook with Retina display, an interesting strategy considering only one inch on the diagonal separates the two models.
Apple might be playing at the long game, however, as the analyst foresees a coming end to meaningful development of the MacBook Air series. Instead of upgrading to high-resolution Retina displays, speedy I/O technology and Force Touch trackpads, 11- and 13-inch MacBook Air upgrades are predicted to stagnate, turning the former thin-and-light flagship into an entry level offering, Kuo says. Much the same happened to the erstwhile polycarbonate MacBook.
The analyst earlier today predicted big changes for Apple's MacBook Pro lineup. Of note, the new Pro models are thought to integrate Touch ID fingerprint recognition technology, an OLED touch bar, USB-C, Thunderbolt 3 and more, all crammed into a slimmed-down aluminum chassis. Kuo pegs a fourth quarter launch date for the refreshed MacBook Pros.
If the updates do indeed come to pass as Kuo describes, Apple's laptop product line will once again return to a clearly delineated three-tier structure, with MacBook leading in portability, MacBook Pro positioned as the all-out performer and MacBook Air taking over as the budget device.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
51 Comments
Whatever, but bring standard ports like Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1 Type-C (reversible) generation 2 to all Apple devices, together with SDXC supporting maximum read/write speed (300 MB/s).
Poor MacBook Air lineup...it will have to die a long and slow death, if the rumor true. Once revered has a technological wonder, will now be relegated to periodically, unimaginative updated entery model most users rather not get stuck with. Kind of sad.
With the retina MacBook and the retina MacBook Pros why in the world would anyone think or expect Apple would bring retina to the MacBook Air? It should be obvious to anyone that the Air is on its way out.
I'm so tired of hearing from that so called analysts, every few days there is something "new".
Doesn't matter if it contradicts himself 5 times in a few months, parrots what 20 others already said or issues a big duh : only his last damn entry "counts" for anything.
If he's wrong 100 times, it doesn't matter cause he was right that one time.
He's more a god damn publicist than analyst.