MacBook Air News 2016: Rumors Allege Apple Is Stopping Production Of Entry-Level Notebook [VIDEO]
Back in 2008, Apple introduced the MacBook Air, a then-revolutionary notebook that combined the best of performance and portability. As the years went by, however, the MacBook Air never really got a major update, with the latest iteration of the device still featuring the design of the 2010 model. Thus, it is quite unsurprising to hear rumors stating that the MacBook Air would be discontinued soon.
In a lot of ways, the rumor does make sense. Over the last year, Apple has introduced two devices that seem to be designed to take over the mantle of the MacBook Air - the 12-inch MacBook and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
The 12-inch MacBook, launched last year, echoes much of what the MacBook Air offered when it was first launched eight years ago. Featuring modest specs and a frame that is bound to attract admiring gazes, the sleek MacBook seems to be Apple's bet in the thin and portable notebook market.
However, the MacBook is unlike the MacBook Air in one aspect - its price. While the MacBook Air eventually became Apple's entry-level laptop with a starting price of $899, the MacBook is widely marketed as a premium device, starting at a fairly hefty $1,299.
With regards to the price, Apple's bet in the entry-level productivity segment seems to be the iPad Pro line. Last year, the massive 12.9-inch iPad Pro was launched, and this year, a smaller yet equally capable 9.7-inch iPad Pro was introduced. Both tablets were targeted at users who value productivity, with dedicated accessories such as its keyboard covers being aimed at making the device more proficient in creating content.
As much as the iPad Pro line does seem to be designed as Apple's next champion in the entry-level segment, many fans still argue that a tablet's keyboard case will never really match up to a full-sized keyboard on a notebook.
Thus, while the MacBook Air might eventually be discontinued, it is still pretty hard to imagine that the MacBook Air would be disappearing from Apple Stores anytime soon. If any, its relatively low price and capable power still attract a very sizable demographic. Consumer demand for the device is still there, and Apple would be wise to not look away from it.
