Apple has dropped the 12-inch MacBook after introducing an improved MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro.
The previous MacBook Air without a Retina display, which was Apple’s most affordable notebook, has also been ditched.
Apple’s newest notebooks offer even more for less. The MacBook Air now boasts True Tone technology and starts at just $1,099 — down from $1,199. The entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro priced at $1,299 now comes with a Touch Bar and Touch ID as standard.
But if you were hoping to see other ultra-portable options at your local Apple Store, you’re out of luck.
So long, 12-inch MacBook
The 12-inch MacBook, which at one point looked like the future of Apple’s portable lineup, has been dropped altogether. The machine is no longer available to purchase from Apple.com.
This almost certainly means that the smallest notebook Apple has offered since the 11-inch MacBook Air is no longer a part of the company’s plans going forward.
The MacBook was starting to look a little outdated internally, and its $1,299 price tag didn’t make a great deal of sense following the introduction of a faster MacBook Air. But it’s a shame to see it go.
That lightweight, 12-inch form factor was perfect for portability. With a cheaper price tag and updated internals, it would have been a great alternative to more the expensive models.
Cheapest MacBook Air disappears
Apple has also dropped the previous MacBook Air, which was being sold for $999. It is certainly time it was put out of its misery.
Its low-resolution screen and lack of updates for some time meant the older MacBook Air was aging badly. And now that its successor is just $100 more, there’s little point in keeping it around.
Of course, you will still be able to purchase these machines from third-party retailers for a while. And now that Apple has ditched them, we should soon see some sizable discounts.
