Apple will get rid of the 17-inch Macbook Pro in 2012 according to reports by several prominent technology analysts. According to the report by KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo Apple will ditch the MacBook Pro to go after a more “Air-style” ultraportable refresh for the entire Apple notebook lineup. According to Kuo the move will be made “in order to maintain a lean product line strategy.”
Kuo made his predictions as part of his general set of suggestions for Apple’s 2012 operating year. Kuo also predicts that Apple will see a big spike in business performance for the current quarter which will be helped along by upgrades to the Ivy Bridge processor line and back-to-school demand.
While the 17-inch Apple MacBook Pro may go away Kuo also predicts that Apple will roll out an entry-level MacBook by Q3, 2012.
News of the 17-inch devices demise shouldn’t come as a surprise as rumors have pointed to 13-inch and 15-inch refreshes that bring those devices in-line with the Apple Macbook Air, while the 17-inch model was left out of those refresh discussions.
In writing about his predictions analyst Kuo notes:
“Apple’s Mac business in 2Q12 will be boosted by several factors. Three of which are: (1) Mountain Lion, which integrates iOS features with Mac OS, Apple TV’s interaction function, will be launched in June; (2) upgrading to Ivy Bridge; and (3) back-to-school demand. We forecast Apple will sell 5.32mn units of the Mac series (up 28.5% QoQ and 35.2% YoY) in 2Q12, making it the main growth driver.
We also predict Apple will roll out a fully new MacBook model in early 3Q12, boasting strong performance and easy carryability by combining the advantages of MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
While adding new products, Apple is likely to stop making the 17” MacBook Pro this year due to falling shipments, in order to maintain a lean product line strategy.” Ming-Chi Kuo, analyst, KGI
Our favorite rumor at this time is the the Pro lineup could receive the 2880 x 1800 pixel friendly Retina display via 15-inch devices. When it comes to retina display output the thought process is that power users will give up two inches for a more vibrant viewing experience.
[via SlashGear ]
