Apple to release a cheaper MacBook Air this year: Reports
What's the story
According to reputed Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the tech giant is reportedly working on releasing a cheaper model of the MacBook Air at some point in the second quarter of this year. While the company has not done much with the ultra-thin MacBook Air in the recent years, the computer is still reasonably popular among Apple aficionados.
Quote
The cheaper model is expected to boost Apple's laptop sales
Kuo said, "We expect Apple 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, up from 15.5-16 million units in 2017."
Context
MacBook Air has only received incremental upgrades so far
The MacBook Air has only received incremental upgrades so far, the last of which was when Apple updated it with a faster 1.8 GHz Intel processor last year. Notably, the computer celebrates its tenth year of being in the market in 2018. Thus, Kuo expects that the lower price model will help boost Apple's laptop sales.
Speculation
The MacBook Air currently sells for $999
Apple currently sells the MacBook Air for $999, and according to reports, the cheaper model of the computer might fall somewhere in the $800 range. However, it still remains unclear if Apple will actually revamp the new MacBook Air with beefed up specs or if the company will just offer the existing model at a more affordable price.