The MacBook Air 2017 may not arrive, as per the rumors. The year 2016 saw a rather disappointing update on Apple's cheapest MacBook. The Air was lightly refreshed in the first half of last year and was hoped to introduce major improvements in October alongside a new Pro. However, hopes were crushed when the Keynote event nowhere near mentioned the MacBook Air. This begs the question: will it still get upgrades or will it vanish completely?

Apple To Ditch MacBook Air 2017 To Cut Down Production?

An analyst from IHS Securities claimed that Apple is set to cut down its MacBook production by 16 percent this year in response to the market's diminishing interest, ITHome reported (via Firstpost). This leads to the prediction that the MacBook Air lineup will take the blow.

Apple produced 16.2 million MacBooks last year. This year, the figure will dwindle down to 13.6 million units. It is speculated that the 11.6-inch variant of the MacBook Air will be cut down as a result, which means that the 13.3-inch Air can still be available.

New MacBook Pro Leads MacBook Air 2017 To Its Demise?

Meanwhile, hopes for a MacBook Air 2017 are decreasing. The sleek and light MacBook Pro 2016 that was unveiled in October can already compete with the Air line in such aspects. Then there is also the 12-inch MacBook that is undoubtedly thinner and lighter than its siblings.

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which acts like a laptop in many ways, can also spell the end for the MacBook Air 2017. However, the aforementioned options are more expensive than the Air. As it stands, it is Apple's entry-level laptop that can still lure in consumers that do not have much budget.

If Apple releases a revamped MacBook Air 2017, it can be expected to happen in March or May this year, according to MacWorld. But nothing is set in stone as Apple is yet to disclose its intentions on its laptop brand.