Apple is preparing to release a new entry-level MacBook at the end of the second quarter with a price tag expected to be about the same level as that of the existing MacBook Air or slightly higher, according to Digitimes Research.
Digitimes Research senior analyst Jim Hsiao expects shipments for the new MacBook to reach around four million units in 2018.
Hsiao pointed out that Apple originally looked to reduce cost by seeking panel supply for the new MacBook from a China-based maker, but the US-based vendor has decided to source the panels from Korea-based LG Display due to issues at the China supplier.
The 13.3-inch a-Si panels for the new notebook feature the same resolution as Apple's 13.3-inch MacBook Pro at 2,560 by 1,600.
LG Display will begin supplying the panel in April with the new MacBook scheduled to enter mass production at the end of May or the beginning of June. As for the assembly, Quanta Computer obtains 70% of the orders and Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry) 30%.
Although Apple has set a shipment goal of six million units for the new notebook for 2018, Hsiao expects the actual volume to reach only two thirds of the target since the product still has not yet reached a price point that can significantly stimulate its demand.
Meanwhile, the upstream supply chain has recently begun shipping components for iPad Pro upgrades and a new inexpensive 9.7-inch iPad - a refreshed version of its 2017 counterpart. Apple is expected to release the new 9.7-inch iPad in the second quarter of 2018, and the new iPad Pro in the second half of the year.
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