A replacement for the MacBook Air has been rumored for a long time. This 13-inch machine will potentially adopt the same form-factor as the existing 12-inch MacBook.
Unfortunately, the air branding might be dropped as well. There is a huge chance a new model will be announced when Apple conducts its event on October 30. This is according to a new email received from the giant tech company.
According to 9to5 Mac, K-12 education customer has reportedly placed an order recently for a MacBook Air, Apple Pencil, and iPad. The report says he Pencil and the iPad were shipped, but the MacBook Air was delayed with the school receiving an email saying it will be shipped on October 30.
It can be recalled Apple will have an event on the said date and we are expecting all new 13 inch MacBook to be included in the announcement. These are unlikely to be a coincidence. One minor possibility as well as a minor spec bump to the existing model. However, this would be a pretty lazy idea since the machine is already ancient when viewed alongside the rest of the MacBook lineup. The most ideal move would be putting it on a new Air replacement.
The order, moreover, was for higher specs - 256GB model. Its retail price is $1199, but the schools are paying less. The email has made no mention if there is a potential price change. Therefore, there is a chance that the school will avail a new machine for the same price. It is safe to say the same dates of the shipment and Apple's event is not a coincidence.
Meanwhile, this does not mean the new 256GB model will be identically priced. There is a chance Apple is cutting them an agreement, which does not also mean it is worthless. As per the earlier mentioned source, this would fit lineup they predicted last summer:
"Apple finally kills the MacBook Air. The entry-level 12-inch MacBook price falls to $999. The rumored new 13-inch machine comes in at $1199."
Customer may expect that the new machine will bridge the gap between the $999 MacBook and MacBook Pro. The new model reportedly carries the MacBook branding and it is the machine one would want to go for desiring a more powerful machine than the entry level. Lastly, this will be an advantage for those who do not want to get into the MacBook Pro territory.
Furthermore, the email did state that the shipping dates are subject for change. At the moment, nothing is certain if the new model is available on October 30.
