The current configuration of the MacBook Air provides prolonged battery life and portability, but lacks in resolution for its display. Its counterpart, the MacBook Pro with Retina display shows clear and sharp imagery, despite being not so portable, or having improved battery autonomy. Combining all the three qualities of the two products into one, should be at the core of Apple’s agenda. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that rumors are going around about a project that is meant to do just so, the Retina MacBook Air.
Speculating on the release date is a bit of a challenge. Hopes were high up that the Retina MacBook Air would have been announced at Apple’s event in October, instead they went on with the iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 3 and the iMac 5k. It is safe to assume that the delay of the release date for the Retina MacBook air may depend on the fact that the new Intel Broadwell series processors have yet to make an appearance.
Concerning the design of the new Retina MacBook Air, reports from the Motley fool suggest that Apple will not stick to the previous design of the previous MacBook Air. Considering the energy saving properties of the new Intel Broadwell-U processors, designers for the Retina MacBook Air will probably opt for a slimmer design, given the fact that cooling fans can be made thinner. A rumor coming from MacRumors points out that Apple might be attempting to give the Retina MacBook Air a new trackpad. The new model will include sensors that will simulate tactile touch, opposed to having the old mechanical trackpad. Another rumor suggest that a gold Retina MacBook Air might be in the making aswell.
The Retina MacBook Air might come in a new size, according to unconfirmed rumors, namely a 12-inch version. The resolution on the device should allegedly be 2.732 x 1.536. Intel is confirming that the Core i3, i5 and i7 Broadwell-U chips will be ready for launch in spring 2015. These types of CPU’s hold big interest for Apple given their low thermal design, which should technically permit a new Retina MacBook Air to provide a high resolution display while still saving up on that battery life. Whatever the outcome, a MacBook Air with Retina display should be enchanting for the eye.