Digitimes expects Apple to unveil refreshed MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models in June 2013. The report claims that Apple has already issued requests to its supply chain partners to prepare to build the revised notebooks. Digitimes frames the news as concern for Ultrabook vendors.
Digitimes also says that the new MacBook Air models will include new processors, but the computers will likely retain the current industrial design. The current MacBook Air design was introduced with the late 2010 model. Apple last updated the MacBook Airs in June 2012 with faster processors, new RAM and storage options, USB 3.0, and a FaceTime HD camera.
Separately, the report also believes that current MacBook Air models could see price drops ahead of the product refresh, but this would be unlike Apple’s typical Mac upgrade strategy. Apple’s common Mac update strategy is to succeed a current Mac model with the refreshed version without providing official price drops ahead of these refreshes.
The report does not offer specifics on the MacBook Pro revision, but with Apple redesigning its professional notebook last June, it is unlikely that the revision will be anything more than internal changes.
The report also says that Apple’s MacBook shipments will reach 17 million units in 2013.
Processor updates to the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air lines in June 2013 would come approximately one year after the last refreshes. Apple typically holds its Worldwide Developers Conference in June. This would be the perfect venue to announce the rumored refreshes next year.
