DigiTimes claims Apple is planning on launching a new 13.3-inch “entry-level MacBook” late in the second quarter of 2018. This suggests the new notebook could be unveiled at this year’s WWDC gathering in June.
Digitimes Research senior analyst Jim Hsiao expects shipments for the new MacBook to reach around four million units in 2018.
Hsiao pointed out that Apple originally looked to reduce cost by seeking panel supply for the new MacBook from a China-based maker, but the US-based vendor has decided to source the panels from Korea-based LG Display due to issues at the China supplier.
The report says the 13.3-inch a-Si panels for the MacBook will boast the same resolution as Apple’s 13.3-inch MacBook Pro at 2,560 by 1,600.
The report indicates that assembly would be doled out to the tune of Quanta Computer getting 70% of the orders and Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry) getting the remaining 30% share.
The DigiTimes report indicates Apple will be releasing a refreshed version of its 9.7-inch iPad in the second quarter of 2018, and a new iPad Pro in the second half of the year.
As usual, take reports like this with a grain of your favorite salt substitute, and things can change greatly before any official announcement is made.
