It is more than a year since Apple released a major update on the MacBook Air. Although the company updated the laptop with last year's Haswell processor, a much-needed major update is due.

The rumor mill has been on fire spewing reports about the supposed release date and features of the MacBook Air. This time, reliable analyst Ming Chi Kuo of KGI Securities predicted that the upcoming MacBook Air with Retina display will be released this quarter. To be specific, he said that the laptop will hit the market in late March or a little before April, as reported by Apple Insider. Kuo gained quite a reputation for giving accurate Apple-related predictions. 

Apart from Retina display, the analyst added that he thinks that Apple's notebook will pack the latest Intel processor that will yield to a thinner form factor. This is parallel with rumors that the MacBook Air will be equipped with Intel Broadwell chip and USB 3.0 Type-C that will yield to fanless device and thinner profile. Moreover, the device is said to feature a 12-inch screen display that settles between the 11-inch and 13-inch variants of the current one. 

Kuo also said that the MacBook Air will boost Mac sales to 6 million by the end of the first quarter, which is a slight increase from its 5.9 million forecast last quarter. 

Taiwanese media sources have also speculated on the probable release date of the MacBook Air. According to website TechNews, the Cupertino-based company will hold a press event on Feb. 24 where the company will announce the MacBook Air alongside the Apple Watch. This is supported by a tip from DigiTimes claiming that Apple will increase the production of the 12-inch laptop for its imminent launch in the first quarter. The 12-inch laptop will be manufactured by Taiwan-based manufacturer Quanta Computer who recently had a mass hiring to keep up with the demands and orders by Apple.

Apple, however, has neither confirmed nor denied the ongoing rumors regarding the MacBook Air.