Apple has recently announced a “Back to the Mac” event for this Wednesday. The teaser invitation shows the Apple logo slightly pivoted with a lion peeking out from behind it.
We are almost certain to see at this event:
1. The next version of iLife
2. The launch of a new MacBook Air
3. A preview of the next version of OSX
But let’s indulge in some wild speculation. The invitation shows the Apple logo pivoting, like a convertible tablet would. There’s also an interesting choice of wordplay in the invitation, reminiscent of the MacBook Air’s original launch:
The MacBook Air is also the most likely candidate for an initial laptop-tablet hybrid model. It is the lightest MacBook, and also commands a premium price. If Apple enters this market, it would make the most sense to enter at the high-end, as the iPad is already entrenched at the low end ($500-$1000). Introducing a premium (say $1800) tablet hybrid model will allow new Apps to transition to the desktop space without cannibalizing the existing iPad market.
It’s also clear that OSX is coming to the end of its (almost 10-year) lifecycle. The time is perfect for Apple to introduce the next generation OS (OSXI?). It’s clear that multi-touch is going to be a big part it, and Apple will undoubtedly want to take advantage of the thousands of Apps written for iOS that could be easily ported over.
As I have written before, adding iOS emulation on top of OSX would be technically trivial to do. The real challenge is going to be in getting the physical form factors right. A problem with existing convertible tablets like the Lenovo X201 is the awkward hinge. It’s hard to imagine something similar on a MacBook Air. But if anyone can solve that problem, it’s Apple.