Take this one with a grain of salt, but “DigiTimes” (http://macte.ch/5Owa4) says Apple is considering a 14-inch MacBook Air for the Asian market.
Currently, 14-inch panels are the mainstream specification of the Asia notebook market, while consumers in Western countries prefer 15-inch models, the article says. In the global market, 14-inch models have an about 20-25% market share, but in Asia, the market share is about 35-40%, an indication of Asia consumers’ fondness for 14-inch models, unnamed “sources from the upstream supply chain” told “DigiTimes.”
“The sources analyzed that Apple is currently turning its targets from North America and Europe, to Asia and is eyeing the China market as its major market since the company still has strong potential in the country,” the article says. “The consideration of launching a 14-inch MacBook Air would be an indication the company will become even more aggressive about the China market.”
Our take: Apple is certainly becoming more aggressive about the China market, but won’t unveil a 14-inch MacBook Pro. The company will unveil a 15-inch model along with the 11-inch and 13-inch versions. That, in Apple’s thinking, will cover all bases.
