According to DigiTimes Research, Apple plans to launch a "new entry-level MacBook" by end Q2 2018-- one the analyst predicts will ship around 4 million units in 2018.

The MacBook is said to sell at a pricetag at "about the same level" of the existing MacBook Air or "slightly higher." It will feature a 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 resolution (the same as the 13.3-inch MacBook Pro) display panel from LG, following issues with lower-cost panels from a "China-based maker."

LG should start supplying the displays from April, with mass production to start by the beginning of June. Taking care of assembly are Quanta (with 70% of orders) and Foxconn/Hon Hai taking care of the rest. DigiTimes adds Apple originally wanted to ship 6m units of the new MacBook, but the price is not at a point to "significantly" stimulate demand.

Meanwhile the upstream supply chain is shipping components for an iPad Pro upgrade set to launch on H2 2018 and a refresh of the 2017 9.7-inch iPad expected for a H2 2018 release.

Go Apple New Entry-Level MacBook to Reach 4m in Unit Shipments in 2018 (DigiTimes)