Why is Apple dragging its heels about retiring the MacBook Air in 2018?
In 2018, consumers are evolving rapidly. Many former MacBook Air users for whom a full laptop was once a little overkill (yet not enough compared to the MacBook Pro), are now proud iPad Pro owners, while other have moved on to upgrading their experience to a 12 inch MacBook, or a Pro with Touch Bar.
In Apple’s world of innovation, the MacBook Air is starting to look like an anachronistic relic, fighting for survival.
Apple has retired the 11 inch model last year, but has so far kept the 13 inch model for one more year.
In many ways, the MacBook Air follows in the footsteps of the Apple Mac Pro, which has survived without any significant redesign, or upgrades, for an extraordinary length of time.
Word has it of a possible retirement of the iconic, and best-selling, laptop, by the Fall of 2018, and if history taught us anything, there are three main reasons for Apple to wait till the last minute to discontinue the MacBook Air.
The first and most obvious reason is that the MacBook Air, which still retains a starting price of $900, is still a big seller among young Apple consumers, particularly those going to College, and young adults in need of a reliable laptop for freelance work. While the price tag may be high, compared to laptop PCs, the durability and quality of the materials, is far superior to most competing laptops, still encased in plastic, rather than aluminum. That, and the reliability and performance of MacOS, makes the MacBook Air a no-brainer if the budget is tight.
The second reason is the fact that the MacBook Air is still the best entry-point for non-Mac users, especially as Apple gets ready to announce the next best thing, whatever it is, at the end of this year. Innovation is great, but sometimes it makes consumers shy about pulling the trigger on something radically new. This is precisely why Apple needs to hold onto a familiar and iconic product, to build momentum towards what’s next.
Finally, there is a matter of scheduling. Apple has released a considerable number of products between 2017 and 2018, most of which have yet to build momentum. Releasing new products is a tremendously expensive affair, even for Apple, especially as the company needs to coordinate with its worldwide suppliers, for materials and other aspects of manufacturing. Advertising is also another task that must be carefully planned to create the experience necessary to consumers to fall in love with a new product. This is especially true when it comes wo something as recognizable and loved as the MacBook Air.
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Looking for a great Mac laptop but the budget is tight? The Apple MacBook Air, is still a great choice for students and entry-level users.