Apple will be releasing a brand new MacBook Air in the second half of 2018. It is intended to replace the current 13-inch MacBook Air, which is Apple’s most affordable notebook at $999. Apple’s long-term plan is to replace the MacBook Air with current MacBook version the company is building.
The report that was originally published in DigiTimes comes with news that General Interface Solution (GIS) is expecting to receive more orders for LCD displays to be used on the upcoming product line. The company was getting 300,000 LCD display orders from Apple at the beginning of this year. However, by the end of 2018, GIS is looking to get 600,000 display orders.
The company rolling out new versions of the same product is nothing new. It’s not necessarily a bad thing since every iteration of the product has updates and upgrades that the previous version didn’t possess.
There have been lots of reports about the new MacBook after the initial one, all from DigiTimes. In a March 12 post, it was reported that LG is set to start production of 13-inch screens with a 2560 x 1600 resolution before the end of the year’s first half. Due to the screen’s size, it is unclear whether the screens were for the new MacBook or another notebook under the MacBook Air line.
And yet another report states that nothing is in store for the MacBook in 2018. It is also reported that Apple is planning to migrate production of the MacBook to FoxConn to reduce risk and costs.
Nice to know you, MacBook Air
If we are to trust any of these reports, one thing is clear: the possibility of MacBook Air’s last hurrah. The product line received a major upgrade last 2015 with the Thunderbolt 2 update and added processor power. Since then, the only noticeable update was the increase in the base model’s processor from 1.6 GHz to 1.8 GHz in June 2017. The seeming purpose of this small bump in processing power was to prolong its shelf life. Other than that, the end is near for MacBook Air since there are no plans for new updates. In fact, the 11-inch MacBook Air has been discontinued, which is a sign that Apple is now looking at a different direction.
Despite it all, MacBook Air, first introduced in 2008, is still selling well. The reason for this is its low price ($799 or lower if you keep searching) and tried-and-tested design. The product is a testament to Steve Job’s vision which vicariously lives through his creations. Not to mention, its low upkeep makes it attractive for newbie users. For example, speeding up your Mac requires you to simply clean up your startup list which you can do by following the directions here.
Still, the clock is ticking with the MacBook Air and it’s only a matter of time before it reaches its end and for Apple to begin a new chapter.
Hello, New MacBook
As you’ve seen above, nothing’s set in stone regarding the new MacBook. Due to contradicting information, there’s no definite timetable for the actual release of the product as well as its specs.
However, if we are to speculate, below are things you can expect from the new MacBook:
• Processor – Initially, it was possible for the new MacBook to have Coffee Lake or Cannon Lake, both of which are predecessors of Kaby Lake and Intel’s next-gen chip. Both are perfect for gaming and designers and range from 2.8 GHz to 4.0 GHz. However, moving forward to 2020, there are plans for Apple to develop its own chip through its Kalamata initiative.
• Graphics – It is expected to retain Graphics 615, which was used to power its 2017 model.
• RAM – There’s a possibility for the new MacBook to have 16GB RAM, which is twice the size of its 2016 model.
• Touch Bar – Exclusive only to MacBook Pro, Apple may migrate this feature onto the new MacBook. It will enable users to access shortcuts such as menus and emojis.
• Keyboard – Apple is registering a patent for an OLED screen for your keyboard. Aside from solving the problem of dirt and particles getting stuck in between keys, you can customize the keyword to your preferences.
Again, all of the features listed above are speculation. It’s possible that they won’t push through with the new MacBook and may emerge on its future products. However, the prospect of having them in the new MacBook is exciting. Even if you’re not a fan of Apple, you can’t help but gush over the specs and look forward to its release date, which, again, is still up in the air.
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