If there’s a rumor, there’s usually a kernel of truth to go along with it.
A new report via the sometimes-accurate DigiTimes claims that Apple’s supply partners will begin production of an anticipated 12-inch MacBook Air sometime in Q3 of this year. The current estimate points towards July and Apple is apparently planning to stick with the current MacBook Air design, with only minor unseen tweaks to rearrange certain internal structures and accommodate an adequately sized battery.
If true, the timing tends to be consistent with predictions released from noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has a strong track record in forecasting Apple’s hardware releases. Kuo stated in April that he expected Apple to launch a 12-inch Air towards the middle or end of the third quarter.
Kuo believes the new model will be a combination of the 11-inch MacBook Air’s portability and the 13-inch model’s performance. He also noted that the 12-inch thin-and-light could be the first MacBook Air model to feature a Retina-quality display.