Apple Worked on Mac Tablet, 15-Inch MacBook Air, and iPod 'Super Nano,' Internal Email Shows

[MacRumors]

Internal Apple emails have revealed that the company discussed offering a Mac tablet, a 15-inch MacBook Air model, an iPod "Super nano," and more.

An email shared by the Twitter account Internal Tech Emails, disclosed as part of Epic Games' legal dispute with Apple, shows an Apple executive team meeting agenda written by Steve Jobs from August 2007, just two months after the launch of the original iPhone. The document sets out discussion points for a number of Apple products that were never released.

The agenda refers to a 15-inch MacBook Air model for 2008. The MacBook Air that actually debuted in 2008 was a 13-inch model, and in 2010 the company introduced an 11-inch version. The 15-inch display size was kept for the MacBook Pro only and never came to the MacBook Air, but there is now concrete evidence that the company was seriously considering a larger MacBook Air variant.

Rumors about a 15-inch MacBook Air model recently resurfaced, with Apple reportedly looking once again at offering a larger screen size on its ultra-thin laptop.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1400208754659008519

The document also refers to a Mac tablet. This device may simply have been a precursory concept to the iPad, which was introduced in 2010, but it is of note that the company specifically considered a tablet form factor for the Mac at first.

The agenda mentions an iPod "Super nano," priced at $199 and seemingly set to launch in 2008. This price point is $50 more expensive than the 4GB base model third-generation iPod nano that was released just one month after this email was sent. The iPod Super nano appears to be a distinctly different device to the third-generation iPod nano, but it is possible that it could have been an alternative name and price point for this device instead.

Finally, the email mentions a "new iPod shuffle" for 2008, but this model was seemingly never released. The second-generation iPod shuffle launched in 2006, and the third-generation iPod shuffle launched in 2009. There were two new series of colors released in February and September 2008, but no new model. It is possible that Apple originally planned to launch the third-generation of the device in 2008, but after delays it may have been pushed to the following year.

Article Link: Apple Worked on Mac Tablet, 15-Inch MacBook Air, and iPod 'Super Nano,' Internal Email Shows

 

[macinfojunkie]

A big company considers many different ideas before going to market with final offerings that have the most appeal and best chance of success.... now that's revolutionary! /s.

 

[Freeangel1]

Even the current M1 laptops that are out I looked at. The screen real estate was SO SMALL.
So I say Bring on the 15" MacBook Air.
16 to 17" is my favorite in a laptop.

 

[infinitejest]

Of course they've tested macOS on a tablet. Of course they've considered a 15 inch MacBook Air. Is this really surprising?

 

[and 1989 others]

Ill bet there is a room somewhere deep inside the Apple campus full of prototype devices that never made it to market.

I would love to see inside that room.

 

[DanTSX]

None of this surprising. Looks like C level notes from every company I’ve worked for

 

[rpmurray]

A memo from 1972 found in the back of a drawer in my desk says I was considering buying a flying car by 2001. That product never materialized.

 

[Jayderek]

Ill bet there is a room somewhere deep inside the Apple campus full of prototype devices that never made it to market.

I would love to see inside that room.

Absolutely!

Hell, I'd buy a nice book that had pics and talked about all of the 'What if's' in terms of hardware that they've worked on over the years.

 

[krspkbl]

sounds like they made the right decision not going ahead with those products.

EXCEPT the 15" MacBook Air. do it Apple and you have my money.

 

[Benjamin Nabulsi]

We definitely need a nano iPad similar to the one in Westworld

 

[Smooch]

The Mac tablet is no news... Years ago there was a leaked picture of a white plastic MacBook-like design...

 

[scupking]

A 15inch air would be great! They should have a 13 and 15 Air and a 14 and 16 pro.

 

[Spock]

I remember hearing rumors of a 15 inch MacBook Air around that time. I’d love it if Apple would release a collectors book that shows off these prototypes. Would be so cool to see them. Unfortunately, that will never happen.

 

[nwcs]

No big deal but odd that an email like this would have any relevance to the Apple-Epic dispute.

 

[Feyl]

I'd definitely love to have a 15" Air. But not touch capable though.

 

[DanTSX]

Regarding the really interesting products, they have ways to minimize seeing those docs on discovery proceedings. Also, it is clear that this meeting is talking about products much closer to market than anything truly interesting. Which also means that the “super nano” and tablet were probably pretty close to a product that could be put into production

 

[DanTSX]

I remember hearing rumors of a 15 inch MacBook Air around that time. I’d love it if Apple would release collectors book that shows off these prototypes. Would be so cool to see them. Unfortunately, that will never happen.

Didn’t they release some high $$$ coffee table book of just that a few years back?

 

[Anson_431]

Of course they've tested macOS on a tablet. Of course they've considered a 15 inch MacBook Air. Is this really surprising?

I might get dislikes for my opinion, but for the love of all that’s holy, please keep the MacOS tablet dead😂😂😂

 

[Spock]

Didn’t they release some high $$$ coffee table book of just that a few years back?

Yeah, I don’t think it had prototypes in it though.

 

[zedsdead]

I've said for years Apple should make a larger MacBook Air (similar to how they should make a larger consumer iPhone). It will sell like crazy.

 

[icymountain]

If a 15" MBA had been released, I am very, very sure I would have ended with one...

 

[tonmischa]

sry

 

[IllinoisCorn]

Of course they've tested macOS on a tablet. Of course they've considered a 15 inch MacBook Air. Is this really surprising?

No, but surprising to find his handwritten notes and the year spread out on a document. It’s fascinating

 

[citysnaps]

Of course they've tested macOS on a tablet. Of course they've considered a 15 inch MacBook Air. Is this really surprising?

Not surprising at all. Wouldn't be shocked if 20 different lab prototypes were developed for consideration.

 

[BlendedFrog]

I'm very curious what a "super nano" would have been. The nano that was available in 2008 still had the candy bar design with the click wheel and smallish screen. It didn't go actual nano until 2010. So, were they talking super small or going big?