MacBook Air With Retina Display: Quanta Reportedly Working On ‘Inexpensive Notebooks’

There appears to be new evidence that could prove the existence of the rumored MacBook Air with Retina Display. However, Apple is still tight-lipped, with no plans to comment on the matter.

Digitimes reported Monday that Taiwanese manufacturer Quanta Computer may no longer be the top notebook ODM (original design manufacturer) because Compal Electronics has already surpassed it in the second quarter, but it could greatly improve its performance in the fourth quarter due to Apple’s orders for new devices.

Apple has reportedly ordered “inexpensive notebooks” from Quanta, who is expected to benefit from the deal. Quanta’s shipments are predicted to rise above 10 million units in the fourth quarter all thanks to the Cupertino giant. Even though the figure won’t be enough for Quanta to regain its throne, the new orders will tighten its competition with Compal.

What’s striking about Digitimes’ report is the mention of new “inexpensive notebooks” from Apple that could be released in September or October. There’s no other information provided about the laptops, but there are sources claiming Apple is working on a lower-priced notebook.

Both TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg News reporter Mark Gurman have said that Apple is going to unveil the lower-priced notebook later this year. However, MacRumors pointed out that both sources did not say if the notebook will be branded as a MacBook, MacBook Air or otherwise. But Gurman has already claimed that the device will have a starting price of $999 or less.

Early this year, industry sources disclosed that Apple was planning to release a 13-inch laptop with Retina Display. Some jumped to the conclusion that Apple was working on the first ever MacBook Air with Retina Display, which will be added to its existing lineup of MacOS-running laptops.

Apple has already discontinued the 11-inch MacBook Air. On the other hand, it’s been years since the 13-inch model has seen a major upgrade. Equipping the remaining MacBook Air model with Retina Display and a more powerful and updated processor could make it attractive to more consumers.

The rumored MacBook Air with Retina Display could be launched alongside other laptops and tablets Apple is believed to be introducing at an October event. Or, it could also be announced with just a press release at an earlier or later time. Nothing is confirmed thus far since Apple prefers to stay mum amid circulating rumors about its upcoming products.