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12" Retina MacBook Air and Low-Price iMac Likely in 2014

Wednesday April 9, 2014 5:34 pm PDT by Arnold Kim
In an extensive research note covering Apple's product roadmap for 2014, KGI Securities Ming Chi Kuo reiterated expectations that Apple is working on a ultra slim 12" MacBook Air but also revealed a new low-cost iMac in the works.


Kuo's predictions for the 12" MacBook Air match what was leaked in March from a reliable Chinese forum source. The new 12" MacBook Air will "redefine notebook user experience":

- Thinner than current models
- No fan
- Buttonless trackpad
- Higher resolution Display

Kuo first predicted this ultra thin 12" MacBook Air late last year.
We expect the unprecedented 12” model will boast both the portability of the 11” model, and productivity of the 13” model. The high resolution display will also offer the outstanding visual experience of the Retina MacBook Pro. The offering will likely be lighter and slimmer than the existing MacBook Air to further highlight ease of portability in the cloud computing era. We think the form factor will showcase a much improved clamshell structure, and that it will redefine laptop computing once again following the milestone created by the MacBook Air.
Besides the 12" MacBook Air, Kuo reiterates his earlier claim that a "low-priced" version of the iMac is coming. The new model will help compete with companies such as HP and Lenovo as well as grow market share in Asia.

The 12" MacBook Air is not expected until late 2014, while the low-cost iMac may come mid-year.

Related Roundups: iMac, MacBook Air, MacBook
Tags: KGI Securities, Ming-Chi Kuo
Buyer's Guide: iMac (Don't Buy), MacBook Air (Buy Now), MacBook (Don't Buy)
[ 121 comments ]


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ouimetnick
64 months ago
I like the physical response of a trackpad with a button.
Rating: 12 Votes
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needfx
64 months ago
I'm definitely nay-saying the buttonless trackpad

tapping is horrid and prone to accidental clicks
Rating: 10 Votes
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RoastingPig
64 months ago
fanless poopbook?, like wth are you going to able to do on that? a handbrake encode would make it xplode
Rating: 7 Votes
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CausticPuppy
64 months ago
Return of the eMac?
Rating: 7 Votes
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Crosscreek
64 months ago
Mac Mini?
Rating: 5 Votes
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spyguy10709
64 months ago
Okay, sure, because apple chases the "low-end".

Rating: 5 Votes
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blairh
64 months ago

Cheaper 20" iMac could replace Mac Mini, with new design 24" and 28" models replacing current models. Could launch at WWDC to target education and back to school sales.


iMac can't replace a Mini. Two different products. Eliminating a stand alone Mac would be a huge mistake.
Rating: 5 Votes
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Prof.
64 months ago
If we throw around enough rumors, one of them is bound to stick. :rolleyes:
Rating: 5 Votes
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devinci99
64 months ago
Sorry to interrupt, but every day I come here looking for news about the new Mac Mini and every day I see every other single update... iphone, ipad... andriod... imac... macbook air...

Darn it! Where's the Mac Mini updates? I'm in the market for one!
Rating: 5 Votes
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topmounter
64 months ago

iMac can't replace a Mini. Two different products. Eliminating a stand alone Mac would be a huge mistake.


I'm hoping for a Mac Pro Mini :p
Rating: 4 Votes

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