There have long been rumors of a replacement for the MacBook Air. This 13-inch machine is more likely to undertake the identical form-factor as the present 12-inch MacBook, and can most likely drop the Air branding.
A brand new e-mail acquired from Apple means that the brand new mannequin will certainly be introduced at its event on October 30 …
A Okay-12 training buyer just lately positioned an order for a MacBook Air, iPad and Apple Pencil. The iPad and Pencil shipped, however the faculty acquired an e-mail stating that the MacBook Air is delayed, and can now ship on October 30.
With Apple’s occasion on the identical day anticipated to incorporate the announcement of an all-new 13-inch MacBook, that appears unlikely to be coincidence. The least-exciting chance could be a minor spec-bump to the present Air, however that will be fairly loopy provided that the machine is now historical when considered alongside the remainder of the MacBook line-up, so the good cash is unquestionably on a brand new MacBook Air substitute.
The order was for the higher-spec 256GB mannequin, whose retail value is $1199 (although colleges pay much less). Provided that the e-mail makes no point out of any value change, it appears that evidently the college will likely be charged the identical quantity for the brand new machine.
That doesn’t essentially imply {that a} new 256GB mannequin will likely be priced identically – it’s attainable Apple is reducing them a deal – however does counsel that it received’t be lower than this, and is probably going someplace on this ballpark.
It could additionally slot in with the lineup I predicted again in the summertime.
So right here’s what would possibly occur:
- Apple lastly kills the MacBook Air
- The entry-level 12-inch MacBook value falls to $999
- The rumored new 13-inch machine is available in at $1199
The brand new machine thus bridges the hole between the $999 MacBook and MacBook Professional ranges. It carries the MacBook branding, and is the machine you step as much as if you’d like one thing extra highly effective than the entry-level machine however don’t need to get into MacBook Professional territory.
A Digitimes report recommended the $1200 price-tag for the MacBook Air substitute.
The e-mail does state that delivery instances are topic to vary, so it’s not sure that the brand new mannequin will likely be obtainable on October 30.
We recently rounded up what else we’re anticipating from subsequent week’s occasion. This consists of the 2 new iPad Professional fashions, 11-inch and 12.9-inch; a brand new Mac mini – lastly – with trendy specs maybe matched by a better beginning value; and a attainable replace to the iMac.
Are you out there for a MacBook Air substitute? And would $1200 appear a worthwhile value for a MacBook-style form-factor and considerably boosted specs? Tell us your ideas within the feedback.
Picture: Jason Snell/Macworld
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