The rumored MacBook Air Retina may pack the new iPhone features like the TouchID fingerprint sensor and Apple Pay, according to Taiwanese media source apple.club.tw.
The website stated that Apple will include the famous fingerprint scanner in the laptop's trackpad, which will boost the security of the device. The sensor will also work its way on the next generation of MacBook Pro and desktop computers. For desktops, the TouchID will be integrated in the Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.
Aside from the sensor, the laptop is also said to pack the new payment feature, Apple Pay. The report added that the MacBook Air Retina will come in new color options first seen in iPads and iPhones— silver, space grey, and gold.
Previous rumors claimed that the MacBook Air Retina will have a 12-inch screen display that settles between its current 11-inch and 13-inch models. Other rumored features of the laptop are Intel Broadwell chip and USB 3.0 Type-C yielding to a fanless design and thinner form factor. While Apple has not released any official details yet, more information might come out soon including the official specs and features of the device.
According to Taiwanese media source DigiTimes, the MacBook Air Retina will be manufactured by the Apple's new business partner, Quanta Computer. The Taiwan-based manufacturer held a mass hiring to reportedly prepare for the surge of orders as it ramps up its production to meet the device's alleged launch this quarter.
Due to lack of solid information, there are contradictory reports coming out. Earlier speculations said the new MacBook Air Retina will be launched at a tentative press event on Feb. 24 alongside the Apple Watch, while others say that Apple will not have a media event this month. Other sources think that the laptop will debut at the Worldwide Developers' Conference in June together with the new iOS 9.
Apple will most likely announce the laptop first before it begins its pre-orders, but the specific release date remains unknown.
