Apple

The 12-inch Retina MacBook.

Many fans expected Apple to come out with a new MacBook Air as early as September last year. However, 2015 has come and gone, and to date, there is still no word on when Apple plans to release its new iteration for the lineup.

Meanwhile, speculations suggest that the Cupertino-based company might not come out with a 2016 MacBook Air at all, and instead replace the lineup with an entirely new concept.

According to MacWorld UK, with the release of the new 12-inch MacBook early last year, it took some of the features that were the main selling points of the MacBook Air lineup. Aside from its Retina display and above-average specs, the 12-inch MacBook was made almost thinner and lighter than the MacBook Air lineup.

It also has the new Force Touch on its trackpad. Meanwhile, the industry follower said that with the MacBook Air lineup already turning eight years old, Apple might be considering to retire and replace it in the near future. Among the reasons for this move reportedly is that those who are looking for performance can get the new 12-inch MacBook, while for mobile workers, Apple recently released the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

However, The Bit Bag speculated that the 12-inch MacBook is just a starting point. According to the industry observer, rumors say Apple will instead integrate the 12-inch MacBook's features into the next-gen 2016 MacBook Air lineups, which will reportedly launch with at least three versions.

The report also said that the Cupertino-based company's decision was spurred by some fans clamoring for the MacBook Air design rather than the new 12-inch Retina MacBook, which got a somewhat lukewarm reception.

If and when the new 2016 MacBook Air is released, observers suggest that Apple will most likely pick its June WWDC event to showcase the new lineup, as it is reserving the rumored March event for the iPad Air 3 and the Apple Watch 2.