The purported 12-inch MacBook with a super-slim design has reportedly entered production, but Apple would still not be able to launch it in time for the holidays.
Apple has been rumored for quite some time to be working on a new 12-inch MacBook Air that would boast an incredibly thin design. In order to achieve this, the device will reportedly come with no fan and no mechanical trackpad buttons, recent whispers have indicated.
According to a new report, Quanta Computer has already started production for Apple's ultra-slim 12-inch MacBook Air and will increase its efforts starting in November. Despite the supposed ramp up next month, however, the device may still not be ready in time to launch this holiday season, adds the report.
"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," DigiTimes reports. "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."
More specifically, DigiTimes claims that component manufacturers are facing issues with the new MacBook's ultra-thin chassis, which is reportedly thinner than the current 11- and 13-inch MacBook Air. Moreover, the supply sources also reportedly said that the 12-inch MacBook would sport a touch-enabled Retina display, which sounds a bit odd.
It's worth pointing out, however, that DigiTimes doesn't really have the best record when it comes to the accuracy of its leaks, as the publication has oftentimes proved to be hit-and-miss with its information.
On the other hand, rumors of a 12-inch MacBook Air from Apple have been making rounds for quite some time, with various reports surfacing from different sources, which indicates that there may be some truth to the rumor. More recently, news surfaced that Apple would launch its upcoming MacBook in multiple color options, borrowing the silver, space gray, and gold color palette of the iPhone. A touch-enabled Retina display, however, still sounds quite hard to believe, especially considering that it would significantly spike the cost of the MacBook.
Nevertheless, it all remains in the rumor state for now, so it is highly advisable to take all leaks, rumors, and reports with a hefty grain of salt.
