Apple is separating the new smartphones into its usual low-cost versus high-cost categories, with big differences between the two models coming down to the camera, display, and battery life.
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Slimmer 13" Retina MacBook Pro, Dual Mic MacBook Air Expected at WWDC
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has proven to have relatively reliable information over the past several years, released a new research note last week highlighting his expectations for changes to Apple's notebook lineup at next week's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). With Intel preparing to launch its latest Haswell processors this week, Apple will be able to make significant upgrades to at least part of its notebook lineup, but additional changes appear to be in store as well.
Among the most interesting predictions from Kuo is word that the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro will see a slightly slimmer design, as well as an improved camera. Kuo had indicated as long ago as January that Apple would be tweaking the design of the Retina MacBook Pro this year, despite having just introduced the form factor last year.
On the MacBook Air, Kuo believes that the line will see a shift to dual built-in microphones, as was introduced on the Retina MacBook Pro last year.
Despite Apple's updates, Kuo believes that the company will see a 10-20% decline in notebook shipments for 2013, with a slow overall PC market and cannibalization by the iPad contributing to lower sales. The company's predicted strategic move to lower the appeal of the non-Retina MacBook Pro would likely also contribute to declining sales unless pricing on Retina models can be lowered.
Among the most interesting predictions from Kuo is word that the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro will see a slightly slimmer design, as well as an improved camera. Kuo had indicated as long ago as January that Apple would be tweaking the design of the Retina MacBook Pro this year, despite having just introduced the form factor last year.We expect the 13” Retina MacBook Pro will have a slightly slimmer form factor for increasing its portability. Also, we think the camera spec will be upgraded from HD to full HD. This will improve Facetime and video conference quality in the high resolution Retina display.Kuo also now believes that Apple will not be upgrading the non-Retina MacBook Pro, instead simply continuing to sell the current Ivy Bridge-based models as it seeks to phase out the non-Retina line. Kuo had originally believed that Apple would discontinue the non-Retina line at this year's WWDC, but adjusted his predictions earlier this year based on the belief that continued strong sales of the machines would drive Apple to continue selling them.
On the MacBook Air, Kuo believes that the line will see a shift to dual built-in microphones, as was introduced on the Retina MacBook Pro last year.
We forecast that this year’s new MacBook Air model will also have dual built-in microphones as a result of positive feedback on this feature in Retina MacBook Pro, which delivers clear voice quality on Facetime and VoIP service.Overall, Kuo expects that improvements to the Retina MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, along with stagnation of the non-Retina MacBook Pro line, will continue Apple's shift toward solid-state storage in its notebooks. Kuo's predictions see Apple putting solid-state storage in 64% of its notebook shipments this year, up from 45% last year when the company began transitioning the MacBook Pro line.
Despite Apple's updates, Kuo believes that the company will see a 10-20% decline in notebook shipments for 2013, with a slow overall PC market and cannibalization by the iPad contributing to lower sales. The company's predicted strategic move to lower the appeal of the non-Retina MacBook Pro would likely also contribute to declining sales unless pricing on Retina models can be lowered.
Related Roundups: MacBook Air, MacBook Pro
Tags: KGI Securities, Ming-Chi Kuo
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Air (Buy Now), MacBook Pro (Caution)
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82 months ago
You lost me once you said "Analyst".
It seems "you lost me once you said Analyst" is the new "safari is snappier" or "Steve would never have let this happen" or "apple is doomed!" :rolleyes:
On topic... I hope if they slim down the rMBP, it won't impact on battery life!
82 months ago
You lost me once you said "Analyst".
Kuo isn't your typical analyst. He has a great track record.
82 months ago
Very lame this strategy of just letting some models linger.
Kill it or upgrade it.
Kill it or upgrade it.
82 months ago
Discontinuing the non-retina Pro's!?! I can't think of anything worse... unless the cost of SSD's dramatically drop so that I can still have at LEAST 500 GB of storage in my Pro. But I don't see that happening anytime soon.
82 months ago
If it's thinner without sacrificing battery life, I'm game, otherwise not so much!
82 months ago
Kuo also now believes that Apple will not be upgrading the non-Retina MacBook Pro, instead simply continuing to sell the current Ivy Bridge-based models as it seeks to phase out the non-Retina line.
Didn't expect that. I would have thought they'd either upgrade and sell for another year, or drop completely to replace with the rMBP at the same price.
82 months ago
So the 13" rMBP is getting a full HD webcam whereas the one on the 15" model stays at 720p? Makes no sense to me.
82 months ago
Kuo believes that the company will see a 10-20% decline in notebook shipments for 2013
Even with a slimmer design? WTF? How could the public ignore such innovation?
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