Skip to main content

Digitimes still thinks the Retina MacBook Air is coming tomorrow, says Apple logos going 3D

retina-macbook-air

Digitimes still seems to think the long-rumored 12-inch Retina MacBook Air is going to be announced tomorrow, claiming that shipments have already begun.

Shipments of a new MacBook Air model, reportedly equipped with a 12-inch Retina screen, have begun in small volumes and large-volume shipments will begin in November, according to Taiwan-based supply chain makers.

The claim seems highly unlikely given that just two days ago Re/code cited Apple sources as specifically stating that, while the product was in the pipeline, it would not be shown at tomorrow’s event … 

Early rumors suggest that the 12-inch rMBA will use a more power-efficient Broadwell processor allowing it to ditch the fan, and to drop a clickable trackpad in favor of taps and gestures alone.

More recent rumors have echoed the fanless design, suggested a slimmer form-factor and claimed that thinner bezels would allow the machine to have exterior dimensions close to that of the existing non-Retina 11-inch MacBook Air.

Other suggestions include a reversible Type C USB port (which seems likely) and dropping the MagSafe connector, which would be odd if true – the worry-free power connector has long been seen as a key feature of Apple’s MacBooks.

A second claim in the same Digitimes piece is that Apple will be revamping its logo in future devices.

Apple is also planning to upgrade the technologies used for printing its logo onto devices and will use laser cutting and unique embedded technologies to make the logo 3D-like and shine at the edges. All Apple’s products will feature the new logo in 2015, starting with the next-generation iMac, the sources detailed.

I can actually see some logic to the idea – all MacBooks from recent years look pretty much indistinguishable to the casual observer, so perhaps a visual difference would be enough to encourage those who like to be seen to be using the latest and greatest models to upgrade.

Again, though, we’ve heard nothing else about this from our own sources or elsewhere, so given the source, we’re not holding our breath.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

  1. Non-clickable track-pad is a total non-starter for this guy on any MacBook.

    • Ben Lovejoy - 9 years ago

      You might be surprised how quickly you get used to it – I never click on my trackpad. You do have to enable tap-to-drag in the Accessibility system prefs to get full functionality.

      • Mark Thomson (@TameGeek) - 9 years ago

        Also people have survived with taping on the iPhone and iPad for 7ish years. The death of the click could soon be upon us!

      • paulywalnuts23 - 9 years ago

        Ben I find 3 finger drag far more user friendly than tap to drag….

      • Ben Lovejoy - 9 years ago

        Yes, I think it’s probably just habit that I still use tap-to-drag

      • You’d be surprised at how adamant I am about my initial comment. I’ve been using notebook computers since they were first introduced and have tried trackpads from every vendor. Apple’s are the best in the industry by a wide margin, and their hinged click is similarly second to none.

        At my desk I use a magic trackpad, so switching over to a different form of interaction when mobile isn’t going to work.

        iOS for Mark Thompson’s comment, is a completely different beast with completely different interaction.

      • Ben Lovejoy - 9 years ago

        I use tap on my Magic Trackpad too, but we all have our own preferences, so I can understand if click is a big deal for you even though I too would disable it if I could.

    • PMZanetti - 9 years ago

      I haven’t intentionally clicked the trackpad in years and if I could stop it from accidentally clicking, i would.

    • Joe - 9 years ago

      I’m with Bruno. I ONLY click on my trackpad. I can’t stand when I work on someone’s trackpad and it has tap to click on. I’m sure that whatever Apple is working on I will like and get used to, but I LOVE my clickable trackpad. There’s just something about that tactile “click” that I like.

      • When they have tap-to-click on, I always end up inadvertently moving stuff around.

      • Joe - 9 years ago

        Same here! I totally agree. I’m sure whatever comes out, whenever it comes out, I’ll get used to it fine, but I love my click.

    • I too love the tactile click of the current trackpad. However, I am happy to embrace a new norm in Apple computers. This day and age you cannot afford to be resistant to change. Evolve or become extinct. If the United States were to switch tot he metric system, would it benefit you to hold desperately onto the imperial system? I see it harming you in the long run and making your future transition to upcoming technologies that much harder. Apple is very good at changing the status quo in a way that does not alienate its users. I personally have faith in them. :)

  2. Mark Thomson (@TameGeek) - 9 years ago

    I wonder if there’s a hint of that in the logo on the invite? The multi coloured line could signify an LED band creating an apple outline. That could also work as a Notifications light.

  3. taoprophet420 - 9 years ago

    If Apple was switching to 3D logos why didn’t the iPhones get them?

    I instantly think of the PowerMac G4 embossed logo when thinking of 3D Apple logos

    • PMZanetti - 9 years ago

      Didn’t the iPhone get enough?

      • taoprophet420 - 9 years ago

        If Apple is putting 3D logo’s for consistanrly on products why not start on the iPhone?the backplate has it cutout so it easy to put in an insert that has depth. It’s not like a slight protrusion would matter with how the camera lens is now.

    • quagski - 9 years ago

      As you may know, although we didn’t get a new logo, the construction is different with a single inlay of stainless steel. I find it quite nice and do notice it quite often, but doubt an untrained eye would actually notice a difference.

      • taoprophet420 - 9 years ago

        I would prefer the logo in the middle of the iPhone like the iPad.

        I know the logo is now like the iPads. My entire point is they are talking about making all logos 3D, why not start on the iPhones?

    • acslater017 - 9 years ago

      Laptops and mobile devices have long had different logo processss. Laptop displays can let the light shine through since there’s not much else going on inside (the guts are in the bottom of th clamshell). iPhones and iPads are monolithic and packed with batteries, processors, radios in one sandwich.

      • taoprophet420 - 9 years ago

        With a cutout lfor the logo what’s behind doesn’t matter because it can protrude past the backplate.

      • taoprophet420 - 9 years ago

        The iMacs have plenty going on inside and are getting the 3D logo first. I wonder if the logo on the front and back will both be 3D

  4. dksmidtx - 9 years ago

    From Tim’s lips to Walt’s ear – if Re/Code says no, that means NO! Sorry, but Mossberg ALWAYS has the inside info on Apple launches – comes from being a reliable Apple sycophant – sorry Digitimes, but you being right and Re/Code being wrong would be an upset the proportion of North Texas beating Mississippi State by four touchdowns.

  5. willo (@mozfart) - 9 years ago

    I hope DigiTimes are right, but I don´t think so. I would buy in an instant if it came out. Guess I´ll most likely have to wait for 2015 though.

    Shopping list so far: iPhone 6P, iMac Retina, Mac Mini (hopefully support 4K), Macbook Air Retina and an Apple Watch. Seems all my profits from AAPL is ending right back to Apple.

  6. repentantgamer - 9 years ago

    Pretty sure “Digitimes” means “pure BS” in the Taiwanese dialect.

  7. I’ll be very happy to see the rMBA released sooner than later :)

    I own a 13″ MBA (mid 2011) and I’m 100% happy with it. The MBA is the perfect laptop in my opinion and the best I’ve owned (Macs and non-Macs). I’ve played with an rMBP quite a bit and by comparison it feels quite… heavy (ok, I do like the more power and the retina display… :P ) If they add Retina to the MBA… man, that’ll be a laptop!

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


Ben Lovejoy's favorite gear