Apple Reportedly Plans to Launch New MacBook and Mac Mini

The long absence of the Mac computers by Apple Inc. could be nearing its end, as the US tech giant intends to launch a new low-cost MacBook Air laptop and a professional-focused upgrade to the Mac Mini desktop later this year.

Sources familiar with the matter stated that the totally redesigned MacBook Air will look similar to the current model, but with slimmer bezels around the screen and a higher-resolution Retina display. The MacBook Air, which costs $1,000, is the company’s only laptop without a high-resolution screen.

It was not confirmed however, whether the laptop will be a MacBook Air, or the spiritual successor to the 12-inch MacBook that the iPhone-maker introduced in 2015.

Apple spokesman Bill Evans declined to comment on the report.

Trouble with Mac

Improvements were made in the MacBook Air last year. The laptop featured a faster processor option, but it has not undergone a substantial update in several years.

The 12-inch MacBook was considered to be the replacement of the MacBook Air, but its $1,300 starting price made it impossible for some consumers to get their hands on the device.

The new MacBook Air will mainly target consumers looking for cheaper Apple computer, although it will also focus on buyers that often purchase laptops in bulk.

The Mac has been a steady seller, accounting for more than 11 percent of Apple sales in the previous fiscal year, ahead of the iPad. Still, the laptop received criticisms from some loyal users due to its recent updates failing to meet their professional needs.

The firm launched the high-end iMac Pro and the new MacBook Pro to address this, but during its fiscal third quarter this year, Apple said it sold 3.7 million Macs, its fewest in a quarter since 2010.     

Mac Mini Update

The smartphone-maker is also reportedly to be developing an update to its miniature desktop Mac Mini, its first upgrade in about four years to what the fans have pointed out to be a sorely neglected device.

Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook has signaled in the previous year that the company has not forgotten about the Mac Mini despite a several-year gap since its last important hardware update.   

The more improved Mac Mini is expected to have a higher price than the previous versions as a result of the new storage and processor options, and as Apple optimizes it primarily for pro users like app developers, those operating home media centers, as well as server farm managers.  

As regards to the release date of the new computers, the people did not specify when to expect the devices to launch, but in the years when Apple announced new Mac computers in the fall months, the company usually chosen October—after the reveal and launch of new iPhones.

The company also intends to unveil three new iPhones, Apple watches with bigger screens, and new iPad Pros with Face ID next month, according to sources with knowledge of the plans.

Besides the new Mac models, users will have to look forward to the macOS Mojave, the Mac’s new software which is set to release later this year, and an upgraded Mac Pro for next year.

FSMSmart gives you the latest news updates, market trends, and news about forex, commodities, stocks and many more! Open an account now and learn more about other investment opportunities on FSM Smart.