Ten years ago, Steve Jobs unveiled the first MacBook Air!
It has been ten years since late Apple co-founder and CEO, Steve Jobs, unveiled the game-changing "MacBook Air" notebook, which was "the world's thinnest" back in 2008. Jobs introduced MacBook Air during his 2008 Macworld keynote speech by pulling it out of a small paper envelope and surprising the crowd. Initially, the series was definitely a big hit, but is it still good enough?
Marked the beginning of a new era for laptops
MacBook Air hit the shelves in Feb'08; the base-model cost $1,799. It weighed around 1.36kg; lighter than the then MacBook but had the same, 13.3-inch screen. Jobs said Apple wouldn't compromise on features (some were made for keeping it light, thin). It came with a full-size, backlit QWERTY keyboard, multi-touch trackpad, built-in mic/camera/speaker, 2GB RAM, and Intel Core 2 Duo among other impressive features.
Other laptop companies couldn't catch up
Even years after MacBook Air's release, Windows laptop makers couldn't catch up to Apple's notebook. The Verge noted, "It wasn't until a few years ago that rivals even managed to surpass Apple's laptop and introduce superior designs with better displays, specifications, and equivalent trackpads."
But, craze for MacBook Air has gradually disappeared
While some praised the MacBook Air's portability, others criticized Apple's compromise on features - the first notebook went on to receive mixed reviews. The MacBook Air notebooks were a hit among the people - despite the hefty price-tag - in the beginning. But the craze has gradually died down over these ten years due to the company's lack of updates for the devices.
No redesign for MacBook Air
Even ten years after the launch of the Air series, Apple has not redesigned the notebook. Seven generations of the MacBook Air have been released so far, but the notebook's design has not changed - except for some minor modifications. The design remained consistent, which is quite rare for a company like Apple that focuses on the design for making its products look good.
MacBook Air no longer a focus for Apple
MacBook Air sales have become quite stagnant in the recent years, especially after Apple launched the "re-designed" 13-inch MacBook variant. Air fans also gave up hope that Apple will ever give a major refresh to the notebook line as the company has shifted its "laptop strategy", says TechCrunch. Meanwhile, even Apple supplier Foxconn insiders reportedly claimed that Air series has been officially discontinued.
Will Apple release a new MacBook Air?
As MacBook Air turns ten, one question everyone's asking is whether there is a future for the series. Many say Apple is unlikely to release a 2018 MacBook Air, but some say it may surprise everyone and give the notebook an upgrade. It remains to be seen if Apple chooses to launch a tenth-anniversary MacBook Air edition (like iPhone X) or discontinues the range.
