Apple might finally be putting the MacBook Air to rest, Digitimes reports. Should this be the case, this would be the second time Apple’s killed off a notebook lineup. Back in 2006, they also axed the iBook and Powerbook, as well.
While the larger, 13-inch Air variant remains in store, Apple had killed off its smaller, 11-inch sibling back in 2016. Last year, Apple also equipped the 13-inch model’s processor with a refreshed, 5th generation Intel one. Of course, its competitors tout processors much more advanced.
Still, the Air continues to be Apple’s cheapest offering as a brand new mobile computing device. Several people remain avid fans of the Air, despite new MacbookPro’s similar footprint and much better specs. For just a few hundred dollars on top of the Air’s $1,000 price tag, many still strangely purchase the older model.
In 2006, Apple introduced the MacBook as an entry-level laptop to replace the then-axed iBook. Through time, the MacBook Air overshadowed the device, despite it initially being overpriced, albeit sleek. Now, it dominates half the world’s newsrooms and conference tables.
The whole setup seems good – build a much cheaper MacBook for the same price, and replace the older device. However, much room for skepticism remains as the current $1,300 MacBook rocks a 12-inch display. It seems more unlikely for a device with a much bigger screen to come out with a smaller price tag. Especially for premium brands such as Apple, the news just seems too good to be true.
While many might not fully comprehend rumors of a new and cheaper MacBook replacing the arguably dated MacBook air, much hope still persists. Not many people might appreciate a newer device, but several would surely agree that it might be time to put the Air to rest.
