Apple parts suppliers are apparently shipping components for what looks to be either a 15-inch MacBook Air, or an ultra-thin MacBook Pro. Unnamed sources in the supply chain claimed the parts began shipping in November for new laptops that could ship as early as the second quarter of 2012.
Apparently this new 15-inch Mac laptop will begin shipping in large quantities by March 2012, according to DigiTimes, although sources aren’t saying how soon after that the computers will hit store shelves.
Apple’s current unibody MacBook Pro design is about three years old and has seen changes only to accomodate updates like sealed batteries, SD card slots, and Thunderbolt ports.
Rumors have been circulating that Apple is working on a 15-inch version of the MacBook Air to go along with the 11-inch and 13-inch models. Other rumors, however, claim Apple is planning a major redesign of its MacBook Pro line that would introduce thinner bodies that look more like the current Air lineup.
Apple doesn’t comment on rumors or speculation, so it’s no surprise that the company isn’t confirming reports of parts shipping for new laptops. Since the company is always working on new product ideas, however, it isn’t a matter of if we see changes to the MacBook lineup, it’s a matter of when.