Previewed at WWDC, launching in the fall.
Updated 11-Inch and 13-Inch MacBook Airs Reportedly Coming Next Week
Apple may be planning to update its MacBook Air line next week, according to a new report from MacGeneration [Google Translate]. Citing reliable sources, the website notes that references have been made towards new devices featuring screens of 11-inches and 13-inches, which are the current display sizes for the MacBook Air.
Apple last updated the MacBook Air in June 2013, which featured Intel's energy-efficient Haswell processors, faster PCI Express-based storage, and faster 802.11ac Wi-Fi.
If the claims turn out to be true, it is likely that a new MacBook Air at this point in time would feature a small speed bump among few other changes. As outlined by Intel's processor roadmap, Apple could choose to use a number of just-launched processors for an updated entry-level MacBook Air, including the 1.4 GHz i5-4260U, 1.4 GHz i5-4350U, or the 1.5 GHz i5-4360U.
Notably, the 4350U chip has been available since last year, but Apple elected not to use it in the current MacBook Air. It is also unclear as to what processor Apple would integrate into an updated high-end MacBook Air, as leaked roadmaps have still yet to show a direct successor to the current i7-4650U chip.
Multiple reports have also indicated that Apple is working on a brand new 12-inch MacBook Air for later this year. According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the notebook is expected to feature a thinner design than the current MacBook Air, and utilize a fan-less cooling system, buttonless trackpad, and higher resolution Retina display.
While it is unclear how a 12-inch Retina MacBook Air would fit into the current lineup, analyst Daniel Matte argued that the laptop will be exactly 11.88'' in diagonal screen size, allowing Apple to offer a Retina Display (2732 x 1536, twice 1366x768) with the exact same PPI as the iPad Air (264 PPI).
Apple is also expected to update its line of Retina MacBook Pros during the third quarter of 2014 alongside the aforementioned 12-inch Retina MacBook Air.
Apple last updated the MacBook Air in June 2013, which featured Intel's energy-efficient Haswell processors, faster PCI Express-based storage, and faster 802.11ac Wi-Fi.
If the claims turn out to be true, it is likely that a new MacBook Air at this point in time would feature a small speed bump among few other changes. As outlined by Intel's processor roadmap, Apple could choose to use a number of just-launched processors for an updated entry-level MacBook Air, including the 1.4 GHz i5-4260U, 1.4 GHz i5-4350U, or the 1.5 GHz i5-4360U.
Notably, the 4350U chip has been available since last year, but Apple elected not to use it in the current MacBook Air. It is also unclear as to what processor Apple would integrate into an updated high-end MacBook Air, as leaked roadmaps have still yet to show a direct successor to the current i7-4650U chip.
Multiple reports have also indicated that Apple is working on a brand new 12-inch MacBook Air for later this year. According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the notebook is expected to feature a thinner design than the current MacBook Air, and utilize a fan-less cooling system, buttonless trackpad, and higher resolution Retina display.
While it is unclear how a 12-inch Retina MacBook Air would fit into the current lineup, analyst Daniel Matte argued that the laptop will be exactly 11.88'' in diagonal screen size, allowing Apple to offer a Retina Display (2732 x 1536, twice 1366x768) with the exact same PPI as the iPad Air (264 PPI).
Apple is also expected to update its line of Retina MacBook Pros during the third quarter of 2014 alongside the aforementioned 12-inch Retina MacBook Air.
Related Roundup: MacBook Air
Tag: macgeneration.com
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Air (Don't Buy)
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Top Rated Comments
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55 months ago
I just got a 2013 MacBook Air.
For once I'm not too upset about new updates, because it is so awesome.
For once I'm not too upset about new updates, because it is so awesome.
55 months ago
Good I didn't order my MBPr yet, but WHERE THE HELL is the new Mini?!
Exactly this, I NEED A NEW MINI!
55 months ago
I still love my 2013 MBA and I won't be upgrading for a long while, especially when incremental speed bumps are the update.
But boy am I excited to see these retina airs.
But agreed, my 2011 Mac Mini doesn't like anything I throw at it anymore, give me an updated Mini!
But boy am I excited to see these retina airs.
But agreed, my 2011 Mac Mini doesn't like anything I throw at it anymore, give me an updated Mini!
55 months ago
What the MBA really, really needs is 8GB of RAM standard.
It is appalling that a non upgradable machine only ships with 4GB.
It is appalling that a non upgradable machine only ships with 4GB.
55 months ago
Fanless sounds awesome. I wonder if this would mark the first fanless mac ever, or at least in recent history?
Wasn't the cube fanless?
55 months ago
Macbook Pros especially received mid-cycle spec bumps. Go to Everymac and take a look. This happened all the time. Even the Mini received slight spec bumps a few times.
Apple can't control Intel's processor release schedule. Either they do a minor spec bump (sing Haswell 2) or they don't release a new Air until "winter" (Dec-Feb).
Not to mention that in the computer industry, which is extremely competitive, which Apple, believe it or not is a relatively small player in, updates their products in a much faster more up to date matter.
it is very VERY hard for Apple to justify a one year cycle, that maintains the exact same price throughout the course of the year, when all the other competitions cycles their products more offering previous versions for far reduced prices.
Sure, when Dell and Apple release their Haswell laptop, at roughly the same time, they're roughly the same price.
6 months later, Dell updates their CPU's. Their current "top end" costs the same, but now features that much (or little) more "oomph". That apple, which is now 'old' tech, is still that 'new' price.
this is 2014, not 1996. product updates are far more numerous from the tech companies than once a year. in Some cases, like the Mac Mini, it's almost 2 full years. I believe the current Mini is only available with the Sandy Bridge based CPU's. Since then we've had Ivy Bridge (die shrink) and haswell (new architecture) released from intel, that brought insane amounts of power saving, energy efficiency, and in some cases incredible performance boosts.
yet, the Mac Mini, using 2 generation old CPU is still 599
55 months ago
The Mini seems to be fading away. :(
The same story was with a Mac Pro. There is no logic behind this, Mac mini sells like crazy, every model.
Refresh will arrive 100%.
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