Apple, famously, has always been ahead of the curve with new technologies. Ditching floppy disks, optical drives, headphone jacks, switching to USB-C, to name a few. Always met with criticism, but staying steady fast.
It’s been nearly three years since the introduction of the 12-inch Retina MacBook with the single USB-C port, and about a year and half since the introduction of the USB-C MacBook Pro. You’ve likely heard all the criticism and complaints about dongles and lack of hardware that uses USB-C natively, and it still doesn’t seem to be going away.
Seemingly, to counter the outcry, Apple has kept around a 15-inch MacBook Pro and, more notably, the longstanding MacBook Air. Essentially the same computer since the one, and only, major update in 2010, the MacBook Air is Apple’s cheapest and most popular notebook. It’s also outdated and underpowered. But, it has all the ports people want. A no fuss computer for the average consumer.
The question is: What does the future look like for the MacBook Air?
Rumours have been swirling about a new entry-level notebook from Apple that may actually be cheaper than the current MacBook Air. But, what would such a MacBook look like? What features will it have and will you need dongles for it?
A new Retina MacBook
The going rumour is that the new entry-level MacBook will be a newer version of the current 12-inch MacBook. Now keep in mind that the current model is $1299 USD. That’s $300 more than the $999 MacBook Air. Also, rumours are saying the new notebook will have a 13-inch display. That’s a tall ask for a computer that is currently considered a premium priced notebook. It would be an upgraded 12-inch Retina MacBook but with a price drop of over $300.
The other possibility with the Retina MacBook is the 12-inch MacBook drops to $999 replacing the MacBook Air as the entry-level model, and Apple introduces a 13-inch MacBook with a faster processor and more RAM for $1299.
Either way, it would be Apple fully committing to USB-C in their notebooks.
The status quo 1
Another direction Apple could go, would be a more drastic iteration of the current MacBook Air. Imagine, if you will, the current MacBook Air, but with a 13-inch Retina display, and a force touch trackpad. It would also have the current wider keyboard layout but not necessarily with butterfly hinges. If you’ve used the Magic Keyboard, you know what I mean. This MacBook Air would have the same I/O ports has the current model which would allow the notebook to have the same logic board. This could be where the cost savings would come from and a $899 to $999 price tag would make sense.
The status quo
My third scenario would be that the current MacBook Air would stay the same and Apple just drops the price to $899 or less. The computer has been the same for so long, you can bet that the cost of manufacturing it has become very efficient and cost effective. This is, of course, the most unexciting path Apple could take.
Which Apple will we see?
The general consensus is that Apple will announce new notebooks at this year’s WWDC in June. This potential could be a watershed update to Apple’s top selling notebook. Apple will be making a statement with this refresh. But, which Apple will we see? Will we see the aggressively innovative Apple, pushing USB-C connectivity? Will we see a more cautious Apple, making some long needed upgrades to a familiar design? Or, will we see a contentious Apple, keeping things the same and focusing on attracting new customer’s with a low price point?
The MacBook Air is an important product for Apple. It covers several large demographics. Students, writers, families, small businesses, the list goes on and on. It’s no wonder why Apple hasn’t changed it for so many years. But, Apple also doesn’t want to appear like they are resting on their laurels and trotting out the same old hardware. Thats why I’m leaning more towards seeing a new Retina display MacBook at a MacBook Air price. It would be what Apple has always wanted in making the MacBook the entry level notebook. It’ll also streamline the notebook lines to MacBook and MacBook Pro. If this Apple’s game plan, the stories will be the $300 price drop, but juxtaposed with Apple’s further abandonment of traditional I/O ports.
Time will tell and likely on June 4th at WWDC we’ll know what to spend our money on.
Reader Comments
Good evening. Thank you…Excellent article.
Hello Chris
Interesting speculations.
What would be your advise? My MacBook Air is a 2011. Should I opt for the latest MacBook Air (where I can still upgrade the flash drive if I chose to) or wait to see if a newer MacBook Air appears or it’s done away with altogether. I hate Apple’s trend of making their products unrepairable and not upgradeable. Just asking your opinion, when it comes to spending my money I’m always the decider.
I advise to wait, and at this point, you might be waiting until October. Might be another Apple Event with new iPad models and we might finally see what new MacBooks are coming. If Apple has waited this long, they must be introducing some major changes.