Next MacBook Air Update to Focus on Retina Displays Too?

With long-running rumors of ultra high-resolution "Retina" displays for Apple's next-generation MacBook Pro receiving a significant boost with reports from several sources surfacing yesterday and similar upgrades now being rumored for the iMac, fans of the MacBook Air have been awaiting word on when they might expect Apple's smallest Mac notebooks to gain the feature.

macbook air mission control hand
9to5Mac now reports that Apple is indeed unsurprisingly planning to bring Retina displays to the MacBook Air, with that upgrade being the most significant change for the next-generation line.

Apple’s new MacBook Air will not see major changes across the entire computer like the next-generation MacBook Pro, but this update will truly be all about the Retina Display. [...]

Apple is preparing both new 11.6-inch and 13.3-inch models. These new Airs lack notable design changes, but feature fast and power-efficient Ivy Bridge processors and improved graphics engines to support the Retina Display, according to supply chain sources. The new Airs will also use improved Apple internal battery technology in order to support the battery life required by high-pixel-density screens such as the Retina Display, according to sources familiar with prototype versions of the super-thin notebook’s internal components.

The report's source suggests that the updated MacBook Air is unlikely to appear at next month's Worldwide Developers Conference, with Apple still working to meet the Retina display's power requirements within the MacBook Air's thin form factor.

Apple is also reportedly undecided on whether it will include USB 3.0 in the next-generation MacBook Air. The USB 3.0 standard, offering higher data transfer speeds, is reportedly being included on the revamped MacBook Pro, but the company is still weighing whether it wants to bring the standard to its lower-priced MacBook Air line.

Related Roundup: MacBook Air
Tag: 9to5Mac
Related Forum: MacBook Air

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: iPhone 17's 'Awe Dropping' Accessories

Friday August 29, 2025 8:12 am PDT by
Following the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Awe dropping" event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos We take a closer look at Apple's invite for "Awe dropping;" the design could hint at the iPhone 17's new thermal system with ...
Awe Dropping Apple Event Feature

Five Things to Expect From Apple's 'Awe Dropping' September 9 Event

Tuesday August 26, 2025 4:17 pm PDT by
Apple today announced its "Awe Dropping" iPhone-centric event, which is set to take place on Tuesday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. There are a long list of products that are coming, but we thought we'd pull out five feature highlights to look forward to. That Super Thin iPhone - Apple's September 9 event will see the unveiling of the first redesigned iPhone we've had in years, ...

Top Rated Comments

ristlin Avatar
174 months ago
Here are a few more headlines MacRumors could use:

Next iPod Touch to Focus on Retina Display As Well?
Retina Display on iPod Nano?
New Apple TV to come with Retina Display?
Galaxy Vision: Samsung's Answer to Retina Display?
Retina Display?
Score: 43 Votes (Like | Disagree)
theSeb Avatar
174 months ago
how are they going to power that in something so thin?

At least people can't complain about the lack of Ethernet here.

Magical hamsters.
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
669532 Avatar
174 months ago
how are they going to power that in something so thin?

At least people can't complain about the lack of Ethernet here.

USB3 should be in all the new laptops, what's to stop them?
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Agent OrangeZ Avatar
174 months ago
MacRumors plan of attack for slow news cycle.

1.)Take the same rumor of Retina Displays regarding Apple's Mac lineup. Write up several different posts... each about one of Apple's different Mac products potentially having a Retina display.

2.)Stagger them throughout the week.

3.)Get more page clicks.

Up next: Apple Thunderbolt Cinema Displays may be upgraded to Retina displays says insider!
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ddubbua Avatar
174 months ago
Duh

Seems like they are ramming through some no brainer rumors the last couple of days.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
669532 Avatar
174 months ago
...bigger screen on the 11in (perhaps 12-12.5in)...

more inches is a common wish... and not just in notebook computers.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)