A new report from Digitimes claims Quanta Computer has begun limited production of Apple’s new ultra-light 12-inch MacBook Air, and will ramp up its efforts come November. The publication notes that the notebook will not be ready for release in time for the holiday shopping season.
Digitimes, via MacRumors:
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 report indicates component makers are experiencing issues with the ultrathin chassis of the new laptop, which is said to be thinner than current models of the MacBook Air. Digitimes’ supply chain sources also indicate the 12-inch model will sport a touch-enabled Retina display.
Reports of a 12-inch MacBook Air have continued to proliferate through the interwebs, with reports from Jack March indicating a notebook launching in multiple colors, and boasting fanless internal components.
A touch-enabled Retina display seems less likely, due to costs and a possible conflict with the much-rumored 12.9-inch iPad Pro. (Hey, if we’re looking at rumors, we might as well look at all of them. -Ed.)
March indicated Apple’s thinner notebook will be available in silver, gold, and space gray color options, will include a reversible USB Type C port, and is intended for a mid-2015 launch.
We’ll keep an eye on the rumorsphere and see how this develops.
