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Apple Said to Delay Production of New MacBook Air With Retina Display to Second Half of 2018
Apple has postponed production of its rumored 2018 MacBook Air model to the second half of the year, according to supply chain sources (via DigiTimes).
A new version of Apple's most affordable MacBook was expected to go into mass production in the second quarter, but the company has reportedly already informed supply chain partners of the deferment, without revealing its reasoning behind the decision.
Kuo didn't offer any details on what to expect in an updated MacBook Air beyond a lower price tag, but DigiTimes believes Apple could upgrade the MacBook Air with a Retina display, which has led to speculation about whether the machine will be an updated MacBook Air or a lower-cost MacBook.
Bolstering these claims, Taiwanese site Economic Daily News believes Apple is working on a more affordable version of the MacBook Air with a price point of $799 to $899, while Bloomberg claims Apple is working on a new MacBook that costs under $1,000, but it isn't clear whether it's in the MacBook Air family or a new sub-$1,000 machine in the MacBook line.
The original plan for a second-quarter introduction pointed to an April–June timeframe, which indicated the new model could be announced at WWDC in June, but news of the deferred production makes that suggestion seem less likely, with an October release looking more probable.
As a result, some MacBook Air supply chain partners who have readied their material inventories to support second-quarter production now reportedly face low capacity utilization before starting to deliver shipments in the third quarter, according to DigiTimes' sources.
The current MacBook Air models haven't seen any substantial updates in three years. Since that time, Apple has discontinued the 11-inch model, while the only recent upgrade to the 13-inch model has been a bump to the base processor option last June, but it's still a Broadwell chip from the 2014–15 timeframe.
A new version of Apple's most affordable MacBook was expected to go into mass production in the second quarter, but the company has reportedly already informed supply chain partners of the deferment, without revealing its reasoning behind the decision.
The sources said that Apple has informed supply chain partners that mass production of its new notebook model for 2018 will not kick off until the second half of the year, yet without explaining the rescheduling move. Some partners speculated that the postponement might be caused by problems with some key components such as processors.DigiTimes was first to report on Apple's intention to release a new entry-level 13-inch MacBook, due in the second half of 2018, which would serve as a replacement for the MacBook Air. Two months later, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo issued a research note claiming Apple has a "more affordable MacBook Air" set to be released at some point in 2018.
Kuo didn't offer any details on what to expect in an updated MacBook Air beyond a lower price tag, but DigiTimes believes Apple could upgrade the MacBook Air with a Retina display, which has led to speculation about whether the machine will be an updated MacBook Air or a lower-cost MacBook.
Bolstering these claims, Taiwanese site Economic Daily News believes Apple is working on a more affordable version of the MacBook Air with a price point of $799 to $899, while Bloomberg claims Apple is working on a new MacBook that costs under $1,000, but it isn't clear whether it's in the MacBook Air family or a new sub-$1,000 machine in the MacBook line.
The original plan for a second-quarter introduction pointed to an April–June timeframe, which indicated the new model could be announced at WWDC in June, but news of the deferred production makes that suggestion seem less likely, with an October release looking more probable.
As a result, some MacBook Air supply chain partners who have readied their material inventories to support second-quarter production now reportedly face low capacity utilization before starting to deliver shipments in the third quarter, according to DigiTimes' sources.
The current MacBook Air models haven't seen any substantial updates in three years. Since that time, Apple has discontinued the 11-inch model, while the only recent upgrade to the 13-inch model has been a bump to the base processor option last June, but it's still a Broadwell chip from the 2014–15 timeframe.
Related Roundup: MacBook Air
Tag: digitimes.com
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Air (Buy Now)
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18 months ago
I still don't get it – why is it so hard for Apple to just create a great laptop? MBA is timeless, just upgrade the specs, the screen and tweak the design a little bit. What we need is a reliable machine. Nothing less, nothing more. Same as with Mac Pro. Just use the old silver case, upgrade the specs, create new amazing display and you are done. Professionals will buy it as soon as it hits the stores.
18 months ago
Well this puts me in a difficult position, I was either going to wait and get the 13” MacBook or a 12” MacBook after WWDC, but if neither are updated should i just get a current 12” Macbook?
With their current underpromising, non-delivering attitude Apple removed itself from my short-list.Looking for a sturdy laptop with a decent keyboard - without the inflated TouchBar etc. fluff
18 months ago
This is great news for the iPad, something that everyone needs and wants and can replace the MacBook Air :)
Statements like this are so misinformed and lacking in common sense. I tried exactly this very thing via an iPad Pro with keyboard cover. No can do as there are still so many times a full computer is completely necessary. Ever try webdesign on an iPad? Serious photo editing? Audio and video conversion on the fly? Nope didn’t think so because it can’t be done yet or anytime in the foreseeable future via iPad. Just bought a new MacBook Air to do these very things and it fills these needs perfectly, especially connected to my 27” external monitor. Love my iPad pro but in the end it’s still an over priced/glorified media consumption device imho.
18 months ago
This is great news for the iPad, something that everyone needs and wants and can replace the MacBook Air :)
Your horizon seems to end at your right bezel
18 months ago
“Apple said to delay production of new MacBook Pro to restore old keyboard” - that was the headline I was hoping for.
18 months ago
Apple might as well release a new Air, seeing that their product lineup is confusing at best:
We have a MacBook, a Pro with only 2 ports and no touchbar, another Pro with 4 ports. And it doesn't even play nice with a Lightning Cable. But wait, you can also choose an iMac, or iMac 5k.
Maybe even a Mac Pro (because it's still available online). Shiny, and so 'retro 2013'.
How old is the Mac Mini again?
Oh, but 'what's a computer'? I guess I can get this keyboard. I wonder how many other Smart connector accessories are out there...
I digressed, but thanks, Apple.
We have a MacBook, a Pro with only 2 ports and no touchbar, another Pro with 4 ports. And it doesn't even play nice with a Lightning Cable. But wait, you can also choose an iMac, or iMac 5k.
Maybe even a Mac Pro (because it's still available online). Shiny, and so 'retro 2013'.
How old is the Mac Mini again?
Oh, but 'what's a computer'? I guess I can get this keyboard. I wonder how many other Smart connector accessories are out there...
I digressed, but thanks, Apple.
18 months ago
Glad to know the most valuable brand in the world has the same approach to important duties I have.
18 months ago
Put the Kuos and PR people in their cages and don't let them out until a new, technically cleanly developed product can come onto the market. Of course: A new MacBook Air then will be great!
Ming Chi Kuo’s last day was 04/27. Kuo will no longer be reporting on Apple. Surprised there hasn’t been an article here about it.
18 months ago
I think they are waiting for delivery of solvent, so they can unglue last years model and put a lower cost components inside.
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