If the old expression “where there is smoke, there is fire” holds true, Apple is without question developing a new version of its popular MacBook Air laptop. According to countless reports from sources that range from small Apple blogs to giant news organizations, the new notebook computer will feature a reimagined design that is even slimmer than the current model, and a 12-inch display with Retina resolution.
While a rumor on Wednesday suggested that the new Air model would finally debut next week at Apple’s press conference, a new report states that almost certainly will not be the case.
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With precious few exceptions — namely the Apple Watch, which Apple needed to show off early to get developers on board without worrying about leaks — Apple begins selling new products very close to their announcements. According to The Wall Street Journal, however, Apple’s suppliers won’t start shipping the new Retina MacBook Air until sometime in the second quarter.
From the report:
Separately, Apple also plans to broaden its product offering with a new 12-inch MacBook Air, people familiar with the matter said.
Earlier this year, Apple’s suppliers started mass production of a 12-inch MacBook Air, featuring a higher resolution display, they said.
The current MacBook Air comes in two different sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch models.
While suppliers are gearing up to ship the new 12-inch MacBook Air in large quantities in the second quarter, Apple’s launch schedule remains unclear, the people said.
The new MacBook Air model is expected to pack huge leaps forward not just in the realm of display quality, but also in terms of thinness, weight and battery life.
