It’s been a while since we’ve heard much about the rumored 13-inch version of the MacBook Pro with Retina display, but according to NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim, the device is still on track for launch be the end of the year.
CNET reports:
DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim has been telling CNET for a while now that a 13.3-inch Retina version of the MacBook Pro (MBP) is slated for production in the fourth quarter. And today Shim reiterated that he sees no change in those production plans.
What’s not clear is when Apple would release the new MacBook. Shim speculates that it would happen after the iPad Miniannouncement — which is expected to be released in the coming weeks — though he said he has no first-hand knowledge of this.
Shim’s comments reiterate claims he has made before, and back up claims made by other sources, including KGI securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who claimed that Apple would launch the device in October (alongside updated iMacs). Kuo’s excellent track record, combined with the fact that numerous reports are all pointing to the same time frame, suggest that this is more than just a mere rumor.
Benchmarks for a 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro appeared in August, and a report from early September suggests that stock of the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro, as well as new iMacs, is already on its way to Apple.
If Apple sends out invites to a media event tomorrow, as reported by Fortune, it’s quite likely that the new and updated Macs could be announced at that event, as well as the iPad Mini.
