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Apple is reportedly considering the return of its 12-inch MacBook, according to rumors circulating on the Korean blog Naver.
The blog post claims that the tech giant has not yet confirmed whether the device will go into production, but sources from a Taiwanese parts supplier suggest that production activities related to the device are already underway. The device could potentially be confirmed for mass production in the latter half of this year.
However, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously stated that he had not heard of any plans for a new 12-inch MacBook model. Similarly, display analyst Ross Young expressed skepticism about Apple launching new MacBooks with display sizes below 13 inches. Despite this, the potential reintroduction of the 12-inch MacBook has generated significant buzz among Apple fans.
The original 12-inch MacBook was introduced in March 2015 and featured a thin and lightweight design that weighed just two pounds. It was the first notebook from Apple to have a fanless design, USB-C port, and butterfly switch keyboard. The device was updated in June 2017 before being discontinued in 2019.
Interest in the 12-inch MacBook has been renewed since Apple’s announcement of its transition to its own custom silicon chips for the Mac. Last year, Mark Gurman sparked rumors that Apple would reintroduce a 12-inch MacBook model with Apple silicon by the end of 2023 or early 2024. However, Gurman stated last month that the device was no longer on the company’s near-term roadmap.
While there is still no official confirmation from Apple regarding the potential reintroduction of the 12-inch MacBook, rumors from Naver suggest that the device is not yet off the table. If it does make a comeback, it could align with Apple’s ongoing push towards devices with custom silicon chips. Fans of the 12-inch MacBook will undoubtedly be eagerly waiting for any updates from Apple on the matter.
