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Apple Said to Release New Entry-Level 13-inch MacBook This Year, Likely Replacing MacBook Air
Apple plans to release a new entry-level 13-inch MacBook in the second half of 2018, according to industry sources cited by DigiTimes. The report claims General Interface Solution (GIS) is expected to win more LCD display orders from Apple for the planned new model, after it began supplying the modules for existing MacBooks in the fourth quarter of last year.
With its signature tapered design, the MacBook Air is the only notebook the company still sells that does not have a Retina display. To keep it viable for a while longer, Apple bumped the base model's processor from 1.6 GHz to 1.8 in June 2017, but it has only seen similar minor updates since its last major revision in March 2015. The 11-inch MacBook Air has been discontinued entirely, and we do not expect to see further substantial updates to the line.
It's unclear what form a new entry-level 13-inch MacBook would take, although Apple would likely make efforts to clearly distinguish it from any existing 13-inch MacBook Pro models. Apple is known to be exploring the possibility of using fullscreen OLED displays in future MacBook series, which could see the company retain LCD display technology in a new entry-level machine while eventually adopting OLED for its Pro line-up, similar to the OLED/LCD differentiation strategy it will take for this year's upcoming iPhone line-up.
Apple is also reportedly looking into using ARM-based core processor chips for future MacBooks, which would reduce the company's dependence on Intel, especially given the recent Spectre and Meltdown troubles. Apple's interest in building its own core processors for notebooks could also enable it to control next-generation display technology and some related key components, according to sources, which would further differentiate the company's computers from others on the market.
Touch panel maker General Interface Solution (GIS) is expected to land more LCM (LCD module) orders from Apple, which reportedly plans to release an entry-level 13-inch MacBook in the second half of 2018, according to industry sources.Extrapolating from today's report, which is light on detail, Apple's next entry-level MacBook will likely replace the 13-inch MacBook Air, Apple's lowest-cost notebook starting at $999. Apple's long-term aim was for the 12-inch MacBook to replace the MacBook Air, which was introduced in 2008, but sales of the Air have remained strong mainly thanks to its affordability. In 2016, Apple tried to position the 13-inch MacBook Pro with no Touch Bar as a viable MacBook Air alternative, but the Pro starts at $1,299, which is $300 more than the entry-level Air model.
With new orders for MacBooks and other models, GIS is expected to ramp up its LCM shipments to 600,000 units a month by the end of 2018 compared to 300,000 units currently, said the sources.
With its signature tapered design, the MacBook Air is the only notebook the company still sells that does not have a Retina display. To keep it viable for a while longer, Apple bumped the base model's processor from 1.6 GHz to 1.8 in June 2017, but it has only seen similar minor updates since its last major revision in March 2015. The 11-inch MacBook Air has been discontinued entirely, and we do not expect to see further substantial updates to the line.
It's unclear what form a new entry-level 13-inch MacBook would take, although Apple would likely make efforts to clearly distinguish it from any existing 13-inch MacBook Pro models. Apple is known to be exploring the possibility of using fullscreen OLED displays in future MacBook series, which could see the company retain LCD display technology in a new entry-level machine while eventually adopting OLED for its Pro line-up, similar to the OLED/LCD differentiation strategy it will take for this year's upcoming iPhone line-up.
Apple is also reportedly looking into using ARM-based core processor chips for future MacBooks, which would reduce the company's dependence on Intel, especially given the recent Spectre and Meltdown troubles. Apple's interest in building its own core processors for notebooks could also enable it to control next-generation display technology and some related key components, according to sources, which would further differentiate the company's computers from others on the market.
Related Roundups: MacBook Air, MacBook
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Air (Don't Buy), MacBook (Don't Buy)
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10 months ago
The best thing they could do - just update the air with a higher resolution (1920x1200?) IPS screen, modern chipset, and maybe a TB3/USB C instead of the TB2/ Mini display. If they really want to go to town then a force touch trackpad too. (a 15" option would also be nice though not holding my breath for that one)
10 months ago
They better put some decent storage into their base models. 128GB is a joke for a desktop OS machine in 2018. They keep repeating this 5400rpm/Combodrive/RAM ******** over and over.
I don't care about touch bar and super-thinness. And I'd like to have a keyboard with keys that are actually moving when I press them ...
I don't care about touch bar and super-thinness. And I'd like to have a keyboard with keys that are actually moving when I press them ...
10 months ago
I really think they have missed a trick killing off the 11" MacBook Air. I don't think they realise how many people loved that form factor. By today's standards the 13" MBA is no longer a small laptop, and the 12" Macbook is too expensive and under powered. The i7 11" MBA was a very capable little thing.
10 months ago
Kind of annoying but where is news about the new Mac Mini and Pro?
I don't think you're going to find it in a thread titled "Apple to Release New Entry-Level 13-inch MacBook This Year, Likely Replacing MacBook Air". :pI'm sure any rumours about those two will be published as soon as we hear about it.
10 months ago
How about just making the things cheaper?
Come on, this is Apple we’re talking about.When was the last time they just made something cheaper?
10 months ago
MacBook Air is a great laptop The 13-inch MacBook Air, even with its older CPU and lower price, is still faster than the 12-inch fanless MacBook. I think the only advantage to the 12-inch MacBook is the Retina display. The MacBook Air even includes a fancy magnetic charging cable to help prevent damage from the cable getting tripped on or from the user forgetting to unplug it before trying to walk away with it. MagSafe is the best charging cable ever. Meanwhile the 12-inch MacBook has only a single USB port. MacBook Air sells great because it's a top-tier computer.
10 months ago
All I want is an updated version from the MacBook pro 13" unibody (mid 2012) with user replaceable RAM, HD and battery. That one had good IO and MagSafe. Just replace the FireWire and Thunderbolt 2 ports for 2 TB3 USB C.
Same form factor. just put up to date the internals and improve the screen panel to Full HD and that's it.
I get the point of light-wave MacBook Pros that some people dig, but these are not for me. I want well designed and user serviceable machines. I don't care if they are more "bulky". Am I crazy to long for this? :(
Same form factor. just put up to date the internals and improve the screen panel to Full HD and that's it.
I get the point of light-wave MacBook Pros that some people dig, but these are not for me. I want well designed and user serviceable machines. I don't care if they are more "bulky". Am I crazy to long for this? :(
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