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Top Apple insider says new 13-inch Retina MacBook will kill the MacBook Air line

Published May 24th, 2016 6:50AM EDT
2016 Retina MacBook Air Pro Release Date
Image: lureofmac.com

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We recently heard that the MacBook Air line may have reached its end of line and a new report seems to reinforce that idea. A top Apple insider who’s usually accurate in his predictions regarding unreleased Apple hardware says that the Retina MacBook line will slowly replace the MacBook Air in the near future.

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In a note sent to investors, seen by Apple Insider, reputed Ming Chi Kuo analyst said that Apple will launch a 13-inch version of the 12-inch MacBook in the third quarter of the year. Only an inch bigger than its sibling, the new form factor will join the 12-inch model that was just recently upgraded.

The analyst says the MacBook Air line is coming to an end, which explains why Apple is looking to sell 12- and 13-inch versions of the MacBook, rather than upgrade the Air line.

MacBook Air owners have been looking forward to high-resolution Retina displays for a while now, but that sort of upgrade might never happen, considering these rumored Apple plans.

The MacBook Air might remain in Apple’s inventory for a while, becoming the entry-level option for buyers on a budget.

Apple is also reportedly upgrading the MacBook Pro later this year, with Touch ID fingerprint support, OLED touch bar, USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports, and a MacBook-like slim profile. Kuo says the 2016 MacBook Pro refresh is launching in the fourth quarter of the year.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.