Apple is planning to unveil new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models in June 2013, according to Digitimes.
The report cites sources in the supply chain who claim that Apple has issued requests for quotations to its suppliers for new models of its MacBook lineups, and that this news is causing concern among ultrabook vendors.
Digitimes says that the 2013 MacBook Air will have a new processor, but that the design of the laptop will remain the same.
According to the report, Apple could be planning to reduce the prices of its current MacBook Airs ahead of the launch of the updated models, which is the cause of concern for competitors who think a cheaper MacBook Air will take away the demand for their ultrabooks.
Apple last updated its MacBook Air lineup at WWDC in June 2012, improving the processors and speed of the laptop, adding new RAM and storage options, USB 3.0 and a FaceTime HD camera.
There’s no mention of new features or expected changes in the MacBook Pro update, or whether the sources are referring to the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Pro with Retina display, or both models. It’s possible that Apple will remove the optical drive from the MacBook Pro as it has done with its iMac and Retina MacBook Pros.
The report adds that the sources estimate a total MacBook shipments figure of 17 million units in 2013, but that sales figures may not reach that level. In 2011, Apple sold 12.88 million MacBooks, and in the first three quarters of 2012, Apple sold 9.78 million MacBooks.
Author: Ashleigh Macro, Head of Affiliate
Ashleigh is Tech Advisor's Head of Affiliate. Providing expert buying advice you can trust is her forte, helping you to find the most reputable consumer tech products and services, and ensuring you don't spend a penny more than you should.