“A report from last night suggests that Apple is planning to drop the 11-inch MacBook Air when it unveils new MacBook Pro models later this month,” Ben Lovejoy writes for 9to5Mac.
“Macotakara has an above-average track-record, but the move would – on the face of it – seem surprising. The 11-inch Air has always served two purposes,” Lovejoy writes. “First, it has been the machine of choice for those who want a Mac in the sleekest possible form-factor. It of course lost that role when Apple launched the 12-inch MacBook, so that side of things makes sense.”
“But the 11-inch machine also served a second role since the plastic MacBooks were phased out: as the entry-level machine designed to bring new customers into the Mac world,” Lovejoy writes. “In particular, it appealed to students on a tight budget – customers whose lifetime value to Apple would be huge once hooked on Macs from a young age. It’s not a market Apple would want to abandon.”
“So what might Apple be planning if the rumor is true?” Lovejoy asks. “One way or another, Apple is going to want to keep that entry-level path open.”
Lovejoy looks at Apple’s current line-up and four possibilities her sees in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: With our eyes firmly on the 12-inch MacBook for our road Macs (until we’re distracted by the new MacBook Pro), we’re certainly amenable to a “big price-drop.”
SEE ALSO:
New 2016 MacBook Pro said coming In October, ditches MagSafe, old USB – October 18, 2016
Apple still plans all-new MacBook Pro this month, new USB-C MacBook Air also in the works, sources say – October 18, 2016
As new MacBook Pro models loom, Apple issues fourth beta of macOS Sierra 10.12.1 – October 11, 2016
Thoughts on Apple’s MacBook Pro OLED touch strip – August 11, 2016
Apple preps all-new MacBook Pro line with OLED touch strip and more – August 10, 2016
Apple’s new MacBook Pro expected to feature OLED touch-panel, Touch ID power button – August 8, 2016
Next-gen MacBook Pro could feature Touch ID power button – June 28, 2016
Leaked photos pretty much confirm 2016 MacBook Pro’s OLED touchpad – June 1, 2016
Thinner, lighter 2016 MacBook Pro may feature OLED display touch bar and Touch ID – May 24, 2016