Apple Starts Small-Scale Production of 12-inch Retina MacBook Air

Apple’s partner, Quanta Computers, has started production of the 12-inch MacBook Air; though, as yet, only in small volumes that will gradually increase from next month, sources familiar with the matter tell Digitimes. They say the new Mac portable isn’t likely to be ready for this year’s holiday season.

MacBook Air

Since initial production of 12-inch MacBook Air has not yet reached a satisfactory yield rate, component makers and Quanta are making efforts to hike yield rates for the time being, the sources said. As initial production is in limited volumes, 12-inch MacBook Air may not be able to hit the store shelves in time for Christmas, the sources indicated.

The problem seems to be related to the chassis, which is thinner than existing 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air models, the sources revealed.

While earlier reports suggest that Apple may add a Retina display to this new device, Digitimes’ sources claim the 12-inch MacBook Air will probably feature a touch screen as well.

Rumours of a 12-inch MacBook have been sparked by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who heard, about a year ago, that Apple is planning to reform its MacBook line with a new device that will be lighter and slimmer than the current generation of MacBook Air models.

He also suggested that Apple, given the improved yielding rate of Retina Displays, will likely use a lower price point compared to the current Retina MacBooks. We find out if that is the case, soon.

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