Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
63,537
30,846



Apple may be planning to update its MacBook Air line next week, according to a new report from MacGeneration [Google Translate]. Citing reliable sources, the website notes that references have been made towards new devices featuring screens of 11-inches and 13-inches, which are the current display sizes for the MacBook Air.

Apple last updated the MacBook Air in June 2013, which featured Intel's energy-efficient Haswell processors, faster PCI Express-based storage, and faster 802.11ac Wi-Fi.

macbook_air_2013_3-800x270.jpg
If the claims turn out to be true, it is likely that a new MacBook Air at this point in time would feature a small speed bump among few other changes. As outlined by Intel's processor roadmap, Apple could choose to use a number of just-launched processors for an updated entry-level MacBook Air, including the 1.4 GHz i5-4260U, 1.4 GHz i5-4350U, or the 1.5 GHz i5-4360U.

Notably, the 4350U chip has been available since last year, but Apple elected not to use it in the current MacBook Air. It is also unclear as to what processor Apple would integrate into an updated high-end MacBook Air, as leaked roadmaps have still yet to show a direct successor to the current i7-4650U chip.

Multiple reports have also indicated that Apple is working on a brand new 12-inch MacBook Air for later this year. According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the notebook is expected to feature a thinner design than the current MacBook Air, and utilize a fan-less cooling system, buttonless trackpad, and higher resolution Retina display.

While it is unclear how a 12-inch Retina MacBook Air would fit into the current lineup, analyst Daniel Matte argued that the laptop will be exactly 11.88'' in diagonal screen size, allowing Apple to offer a Retina Display (2732 x 1536, twice 1366x768) with the exact same PPI as the iPad Air (264 PPI).

Apple is also expected to update its line of Retina MacBook Pros during the third quarter of 2014 alongside the aforementioned 12-inch Retina MacBook Air.

Article Link: Updated 11-Inch and 13-Inch MacBook Airs Reportedly Coming Next Week
 

Eddy Munn

macrumors 6502
Dec 27, 2008
377
758
I just got a 2013 MacBook Air.
For once I'm not too upset about new updates, because it is so awesome.
 
Last edited:

Kirb112

macrumors member
Jan 16, 2013
77
31
I wonder how much legitimacy there is to this claim? Time to sell my Haswell Ultimate MBA.
 

AXs

macrumors 6502a
Sep 7, 2009
515
2
There's nothing much apple can do to improve upon the 2013 airs until they migrate to 14nm chips.
 

Icaras

macrumors 603
Mar 18, 2008
6,344
3,393
Fanless sounds awesome. I wonder if this would mark the first fanless mac ever, or at least in recent history?
 

WillFisher

macrumors 6502
Feb 19, 2011
387
16
I still love my 2013 MBA and I won't be upgrading for a long while, especially when incremental speed bumps are the update.

But boy am I excited to see these retina airs.
But agreed, my 2011 Mac Mini doesn't like anything I throw at it anymore, give me an updated Mini!
 

DTphonehome

macrumors 68000
Apr 4, 2003
1,914
3,377
NYC
12" retina air would be amazing. But they'll have to do some thinning of the herd when that comes out… way too many laptops with overlapping roles in the lineup.
 

zedsdead

macrumors 68040
Jun 20, 2007
3,403
1,147
This makes sense. Apple is going to have to use Haswell 2 to spec bump the Mac lineup because of the delay in Broadwell.

Shame the Air doesn't have an IPS display. That was the only reason I didn't upgrade my 2010 Air last June...and since have bought the 13 rMBP. Very happy. The only thing I miss is the wedge form factor which is better for typing.
 

Jambalaya

macrumors 6502a
Jun 21, 2013
714
151
UK
Does it really make sense to have 11" and 13" MBA plus a 12" rMBA ? 2 of those yes, so either 11" or 13" non retina plus the 12" rMBA or perhaps just the 12" retina ? Personally I'm waiting to see the retina MBA (hopefully) and MBA retina refresh to make a purchase choice at the end of the year.
 

markhort

macrumors 68000
Aug 28, 2010
1,682
1,607
UK
I've been wanting to upgrade for while now, last week I was going to hit the buy button. I have a ageing 2010 MacBook Air, really glad I waited.
 

Alex72

macrumors member
Jul 19, 2002
70
2
Los Angeles
Fanless sounds awesome. I wonder if this would mark the first fanless mac ever, or at least in recent history?

Not the first, but there certainly haven't been any in recent history, at least not as far as computer history goes... The Macs up through the Mac Plus were fanless, as was the G4 Cube and the "Slot Loading" G3 iMacs. :)
 

dec.

Suspended
Apr 15, 2012
1,349
765
Toronto
Fanless sounds awesome. I wonder if this would mark the first fanless mac ever, or at least in recent history?

To be honest, I don't think it sounds at all. But I'm sure they will find a lot of fans if they really are fanless.
 

Mildredop

macrumors 68020
Oct 14, 2013
2,478
1,510
I've got a 2011 MBA and just don't see what would make me want to upgrade.

The battery lasts more than long enough (a few days per charge), the screen resolution is fine as it is, it's light and thin enough, the processor is plenty fast enough.

The only thing I can think is missing is USB3.

My only issues are with OS X which wouldn't be different with a new MBA.
 

dol4n

macrumors member
Sep 8, 2012
81
0
I do not have a good feeling about this one, it has been a long time since Apple released something good. Tim is sinking the ship!

Steve would never have allowed such a small "spec bump".
 

majkom

macrumors 68000
May 3, 2011
1,854
1,150
unless apple give air IPS display (not necessarily retina), this update is worthless...
 

zedsdead

macrumors 68040
Jun 20, 2007
3,403
1,147
Does it really make sense to have 11" and 13" MBA plus a 12" rMBA ? 2 of those yes, so either 11" or 13" non retina plus the 12" rMBA or perhaps just the 12" retina ? Personally I'm waiting to see the retina MBA (hopefully) and MBA retina refresh to make a purchase choice at the end of the year.

This is just a spec bump for Haswell 2 most likely. The redesign is almost certainly to need Broadwell, which won't be out until late in the year. Think November or so for that.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.