Apple MacBook Air with Retina display again rumored for 2014 launch

More supply chain rumors seem to bolster the claim that Apple plans to launch a MacBook Air refresh with a high-resolution Retina display later this year.

If this proves to be accurate, Apple's 2014 MacBook Air would boast the same pixel-packed resolution found in the company's high-end MacBook Pro lineup.

The latest information comes from DigiTimes, which cites Taiwan-based supply chain sources who reportedly claim that Apple will launch a MacBook Air with Retina display in the second half of this year.

It's worth pointing out that the accuracy of these claims is questionable considering the source of the report. DigiTimes is often starting various Apple-related rumors, many of which ultimately prove to be inaccurate.

On the other hand, DigiTimes' report follows a separate rumor, according to which Apple is planning to launch as 12-inch MacBook this year. The laptop in question will reportedly sport a redesigned trackpad with no physical buttons and will also ditch the fan. Considering that current MacBook Air models have 11.6- and 13.3-inch screens, this rumored ultra-thin model with a 12-inch display could be the upcoming MacBook Air with Retina display.

Looking back at Apple's 2012 strategy, this theory doesn't seem too farfetched. In 2012 the company decided to ditch its 17-inch MacBook Pro in favor of a 15.4-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, only to expand the lineup even further with a 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display a few months later. Although it launched Retina display models at premium prices, Apple also kept its legacy non-Retina models on sale, sporting more affordable price tags.

If this year's MacBook Air lineup will follow the same pattern, Apple could launch the purported 12-inch Retina model while also continuing to sell the 11- and 13-inch non-Retina models.

In addition to supporting rumors of a 12-inch MacBook Air with Retina display, DigiTimes also bolsters previous claims that Apple would also unleash a large 12-inch iPad later this year. This model is expected to go up against Samsung's large-screen Galaxy Note Pro and Galaxy Tab Pro offerings.

Keep in mind, however, that all of the above-mentioned information is based solely on rumors and speculation, with nothing officially confirmed. As always in such cases, it is highly advisable to take the news with a hefty grain of salt until some concrete evidence pops up.