12-inch MacBook Air Rumored to Begin Production in Third Quarter 2014

Apple has long been rumored to release a 12-inch MacBook Air. Now, supply-chain sources are claiming that Apple's 12" MacBook Air will enter mass production in the third quarter of 2014.

Apple's new 12-inch MacBook Air will enter mass production in the third quarter, filling the gap between the 11- and 13-inch MacBook Airs as well as enhancing Apple's leadership in the small-to-medium-size ultra-thin notebook market, according to sources from the upstream supply chain.

Quanta computer will be responsible for the assembly of the device and sources say they have not heard of any changes coming to the 11-inch or 13-inch model. The report claims that Apple is wanting to release a 12-inch MacBook Air because the 11-inch model has a screen size similar to the iPad, so the company wants to create a clear distinction with the two as iPad sales are impacting MacBook demand.


Apple's long term plan is to phase out the 11-inch MacBook Air, however the company does not have any immediate plans to remove it from the lineup. The 12-inch MacBook Air is rumored to feature some internal design changes such as battery and component changes, however it will look similar to the current lineup.

Some analysts and market watchers believe that we could see a retina display on the 12-inch MacBook Air, however that is still a rumor.

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