MacBook Air 2018: Will It Come as Predicted?

Recently KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo issues a new research report, mentioning that Apple is planning to update its 13-inch MacBook Air with a more affordable price. The new MacBook Air may arrive during the second quarter of 2018, and it is expected to help push MacBook shipments up by 10-15 percent this year.

“We expect Apple (US) to roll out the new MacBook Air with a lower price tag in 2Q18. We forecast total shipments of MacBook models will grow 10-15% YoY in 2018 (vs. 0-5% YoY decline for the NB industry), up from 15.5-16mn units in 2017.”

If the prediction come true, that could be a good news for MacBook Air followers.

Apple switches more focus on the 12-inch MacBook and MacBook Pro lines. The MacBook Air line has been bogged down for the past three years. The 11-inch MacBook Air has been cut off, while current 13-inch model are sort of outdated. Rumors swirl around Apple’s plan to drop down MacBook Air, but by far it still stays in the family of Mac computers. The MacBook Air processor was just refreshed in June 2017, though it simply upped the clock speed of the existing, Intel Broadwell Core series chip inside. Currently the 13-inch MacBook Air is sold starting at $999.

If the price of MacBook Air 2018 drops as predicted, the product could become more attractive to those who are underbudgeted, like college students. Apple keeps selling old model of Mac computer with a lower price, and it is a strategy to hold certain market shares among customers and keep the overall profit margins high.

The investor notes made by Ming-Chi Kuo also mention some details on supply chain reactions to the upcoming iPhone refreshes, the growing success of AirPods and more.

Apart from the prediction given by Ming-Chi Kuo, there are no more details about the rumored MacBook Air 2018. What do you think of the speculation? Will you consider to buy one if the MBA 2018 releases with a lower price and up-to-date components?