Many people probably haven’t noticed that Apple has discontinued selling the 12-inch MacBook, which was launched in 2015. With its butterfly keyboard and USB-C function, it was the first Mac laptop that didn’t feature a glowing Apple logo in a long time.
In 2016, the company updated the MacBook Pro, and two years later the MacBook Air followed with some fairly contentious upgrades set out by the 12-inch MacBook. Mac enthusiasts missed the USB-A ports and SD card slots of other MacBooks. And the redesigned butterfly keyboard was a catastrophe from day one.
Apple appeared, however, committed to the design trends that it started with the 12-inch MacBook, though persistent rumours indicate that the next MacBook Pro will have a more conventional keyboard with increased travel.
Under the circumstances, it would appear that Apple chose the right time to phase out the 12-inch MacBook.
The upgrade of the MacBook Air last autumn made the 12-inch MacBook somewhat of an anomaly. Despite being lighter and thinner than any other Apple computer, it was totally underpowered. At the time, the MacBook had also become a niche product. Those who wanted a portable computer had better options in the iPad Pro range.
With Apple offering 11-inch and 13-inch versions of the MacBook, the 12-inch model basically became redundant.
Update
Apple has launched two new MacBook models: a MacBook Air and a MacBook Pro. The upgraded MacBook Air features a 13-inch screen and a faster Intel processor. The 13-inch MacBook Pro also boasts new Intel processors – and on top of that, Touch ID and a Touch Bar. This means that it now offers fingerprint security as well as touch input.
Prices range from $1,099 for the MacBook Air and $1,299 for the MacBook Pro.