Apple's 13-Inch Retina MacBook Pro to Launch 'Before October'?

Just before last month's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo correctly predicted that Apple's MacBook Pro with Retina display would appear alongside the standard MacBook Pro instead of as a direct replacement, also accurately claiming that only the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro would be making an appearance while a 13-inch model remained in the works.

At the time, Kuo believed that Apple could have the 13-inch version ready by August, but in the wake of WWDC he revised his predictions to indicate that Apple would begin ramping production in September for a launch in October.

kuo retina 2012 2013 predictions
Kuo's post-WWDC predictions for Apple's 2012 and 2013 MacBook lineups

Digitimes now reports that while Apple has been included among other PC vendors amid rumors of delayed or decreased shipments, the company's plans for the Retina 13-inch MacBook Pro are in fact on track and may even see a debut "before October" in order to address the back to school market.

As for Apple, the sources pointed out that Apple has demanded its upstream partners start supplying components for the 13-inch model in the third quarter and they have not yet heard anything about changing of schedule. As for when the product will launch, the sources believe the new MacBook Pro will have a chance to launch before October to catch up with the back-to-school season.

Apple also did not reduce its shipment forecast for 2012 and is still expecting its notebook shipments to grow 30% on year, the sources pointed out.

After a relatively slow start to 2012 as Apple awaited the launch of Intel's Ivy Bridge processors, the company appears to be setting itself up for a busy second half of the year. Even after a strong upgrade to its MacBook Pro and MacBook Air lines at WWDC, Apple still has plenty of products apparently still in the pipeline, including a new iPhone expected later this year, rumors of an "iPad mini", 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro models, and an update to the iMac line.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro

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Top Rated Comments

apolloa Avatar
169 months ago
When I see the name Digitimes I just know Mac Rumors is only postng the story for website hits....
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mohsy90 Avatar
169 months ago
For those of you wondering....before October = August or September
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
applefanDrew Avatar
169 months ago

personally, I think the retina display (while beautiful for optimized apps), is ultimately a fail and a distraction.


Probably the most ignorant thing I've read concerning Apple ever.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Digital Skunk Avatar
169 months ago
After seeing the 15" rMBP, I'd rather save some money and get an even smaller foot print on a machine that is just a hair heavier than an Air but much more powerful.

The real question will be whether or not the GPU can handle Retina, since the 15" rMBP's chip is getting taxed by it?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Navdakilla Avatar
169 months ago
It will be interesting to see how they will power all this. Me thinks a dedicated GPU will be needed :D
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Allenbf Avatar
169 months ago
I'd not believe this if it weren't for the stellar reporting of DigiTimes. Those guys never miss.

:confused:
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)