Apple is likely to cease production of 13-inch MacBook Pro models by mid-2014 and instead will concentrate on thinner models with Retina display, new report has claimed.
Reasons behind Apple’s move haven’t be inked on paper, but it is speculated that Intel is looking to push the industry towards thinner notebooks by releasing its second generation ultrabooks towards the end of 2014 and this could be the reason behind Apple’s decision – to dole out models that will be powered by Intel’s latest processor and to stay competitive.
Another probable reason comes to light if one peeks at Apple’s sales figures. Mac products haven’t been as successful as they were once and in 2013 the fruity company managed to sell 17.12 million units of different Mac products – a reduction by 1.03 percent year-on-year. A boost is required and shedding a little extra fat could be one of the ways for Apple.
According to DigiTimes, its sources pointed out the narrowing gap between MacBook Pro and its Retina equipped counterpart as Apple has been slowing reducing the prices of its MacBook Pro. The report notes that Apple ceased production of 15-inch MacBook Pro back in 2013 and the 13-inch model awaits the same fate this year.
With Intel working towards releasing its next generation of thinner ultrabooks powered by its broadwell range of processors, demand for the heavier and chunkier MacBook Pro may subside which would further dent Apple’s profits.
Apple is likely to go for the next-gen processors from Intel as they consume lower power and bring in support for Ultra HD panels and WiGig wireless technologies and on top of that strong price/performance ratio that is likely to give Apple as well as other retailers a boost.