Apple’s global MacBook shipments may decline this year despite the fact that the company has been increasing orders for the new MacBook models, reported upstream supply chain sources.
According to reports MacBook shipments have been increasing since last four months with third quarter volumes showing 10-20% growth and the sequential shipment growth is expected to continue till October. However, weak shipments can be attributed to suspension of component shipments in first half of 2013 which will have a negative impact on the overall 2013 figures.
In 2012, Apple shipped around 13.03 million MacBooks, but, in the first half of 2013, the company shipped only 5.3 million units. Looking at last year’s figures, Apple will have to ship at least 7.73 million units by the end of 2013 to be at par with 2012’s figures, notes DigiTimes.
In June, Mac Book’s overall US sales dropped 12 percent, while global MacBook sales during April-June sales period declined five percent. Apple announced a $200 price cut on its 13-inch MacBook Pro model in February and a $100 price cut on its 13-inch MacBook Air model in June. This is not yet confirmed whether the price cut had some positive impact on the overall MacBook shipments.
Apple’s iPad sales have also declined this year. If situation continues, Apple will have to rely heavily on its iPhone sales which have been successful in setting new records every time a new iPhone model is launched.
