Apple launched the Butterfly keyboard in 2015, which changed the design of the keys with a mechanism that resembles a flapping wing. But, the innovative keyboard became Apple's headache, and it decided to scrap and replaced it with the scissor-switch type of keyboard. A new report claims that Apple is going to release MacBook and MacBook Air models with scissor keyboards this year.
New MacBook and MacBook Air Models
The latest report is courtesy of Macrumors, which got a hold of the most recent research note of popular TFI Securities analyst and Apple tipster Ming-Chi Kuo. The report reveals that Kuo predicts that Apple would release MacBook and MacBook Air models in the second quarter of this year. While the Taiwan-based analyst does not explicitly reveal which model would have the said keyboard, the report speculates that it could be the 14-inch MacBook since Apple released the 16-inch model four months ago.
The analyst also predicts that the upcoming MacBook and MacBook Air models would "have various cost optimizations, but he said users would not notice any difference." Kuo also praised the recently released 16-inch MacBook Pro highlighting that the consumers' response exceeded expectations. The 16-inch MacBook Pro, unlike its older siblings, is equipped with Magic keyboard.
Earlier reports claimed that Apple is planning major changes to its MacBook lineup. There were claims that the first MacBook with ARM processor is coming in the last quarter of this year. But, while all these details are exciting, these are not yet official.
Apple Stores in China
All 42 Apple Stores in China are now open. It can be recalled that in the early part of Feb. 2020, the Cupertino company decided to shut down its stores in China. Apple made this as a preventive measure to not only protect its employees in the region but also to prevent the spread of the lethal virus that has killed thousands of people across the globe.
Apple earlier announced on its official Chinese website that all of its 42 stores are now open. At the moment, however, 41 Apple Stores are operating on a reduced number of hours. Apple would trim down the number of stores operating at reduced hours from 41 to 39 starting Mar. 19.
Apple opening all its stores in China is a positive indication that the country is slowly getting back on track. The Cupertino tech giant is anticipated to launch its entry-level iPhone SE 2 this month. Although there might be some delays, it is highly likely that consumers might see the affordable iPhone this year.
