Why Didn't Apple Call the New MacBook 2015 the MacBook Air?

It's no secret that Apple has been gradually phasing out the 'Air' designation from its product lines. This strategic move is part of a broader shift toward emphasizing 'professional' devices. The new 13-inch MacBook Pro without the Touchbar has replaced the 13-inch MacBook Air, and the iPad Pro has superseded the iPad Air. The rationale behind this decision is quite clear.

Apple's brand strategy has evolved to focus on high-performance, professional-grade devices. The 'Air' suffix has sometimes carried a stigma of weaker performance, which is precisely why they named their weakest iPad and MacBook models simply 'iPad' and 'MacBook,' respectively. By retiring the 'Air' name from all their products, Apple aims to reinforce a premium image and elevate the perception of their entire product line.

The MacBook Air has long been recognized as the lightest and most affordable model in the MacBook lineup. However, it sacrificed in terms of performance, boasting slower processors, lower memory, and smaller storage capacities. Meanwhile, the MacBook strikes a balance between the Air and the Pro models. It features a retina display, 8GB of memory, and 256GB SSD storage, along with the latest Intel M series processor. Although the performance is close to that of the MacBook Pro, the MacBook's clock speed remains lower, making it a bridge between airiness and power.

In essence, the MacBook is a new member of the MacBook family, offering a modern take on the classic Air model. It represents a fusion of functionality and aesthetics, catering to a broader audience that values high performance and portability.

The introduction of a new MacBook without the Air designation positions the model as a mid-tier solution that sits between the Air and Pro models. This move aligns with Apple's broader strategy of offering a hierarchy of products that cater to various user needs.

The Macbook Market Positioning

The new MacBook was a strategic entry into the iPad market. Despite its fanless design, it struggles to sustain high CPU usage due to thermal throttling. This design decision is telling of Apple's belief in the crossover market for hybrid devices—machines that can serve as both laptops and tablets.

The MacBook Air, on the other hand, has established itself as a reliable workhorse for many companies. Over the years, it has evolved from a compromise notebook into an industry standard, offering fast and reliable performance. The Air's journey from a compromised notebook to a standard has demonstrated Apple's ability to innovate and meet evolving user needs. With the MacBook, Apple hopes to achieve a similar evolution, but many users find the Air line to be the best option for their requirements.

Future of the MacBook Air

Many speculate that the Air line has reached its end, but this may not be the case. The Air's name was historically associated with its lightness and small size. By introducing a smaller and lighter computer not under the Air line, Apple may be signalling the impending release of an even more portable and lightweight product. This next-generation Air could represent a significant leap in portability and performance.

Given Apple's penchant for periodic redesigns, it's highly probable that the Air line will continue to evolve, rather than being outright discontinued. While making the current Air models even more portable than the MacBook is a logical next step, it's also plausible that Apple could introduce a new Air model offering even greater portability and performance enhancements.

In conclusion, the decision to rename and reposition the MacBook line is a strategic move by Apple to reinforce its professional brand identity. Whether users will embrace the new MacBook as a viable alternative to the MacBook Air remains to be seen, but the shift in naming conventions is a clear indicator of Apple's evolving market strategy. Whether the Air line will continue to innovate and evolve, or face a definitive end, only time will tell.