MacBook Air 2014 Release Date, Specs & Features: Apple to Update Device Line-up; 12-inch Version Also in the Works?

Rumors are suggesting that Apple may be refreshing its MacBook Air line-up next week.

MacGeneration reports that an update is expected next week, specifically, Tuesday. Acccording to the French website, references about 11-inch and 13-inch screens have been made by sources. MacRumors points out that the tech giant's current MacBook Air line-up are of the same sizes, making the rumor of an alleged update even more likely.

MacRumors adds that the alleged MacBook Air update will most likely feature "a small speed bump among few other changes." Hinging on the tech giant's history of device upgrades, the outlet says that Apple could choose to use a number of just-launched processors for an updated entry-level MacBook Air, including the 1.4 GHz i5-4260U, 1.4 GHz i5-4350U, or the 1.5 GHz i5-4360U.

BGR says that the MacBook Air line-up of devices may also be launched with Retina display, a specification upgrade similar to that of the MacBook Pro. However, the outlet suggests that Retina display rumors for the MacBook Air should be taken with a grain of salt as neither MacGeneration or MacRumors has made mention of the alleged update.

Apart from a rumored upgrade on the 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air devices, MacRumors notes that a 12-inch version of the same device may also be rolled out late this year, saying:

"While it is unclear how a 12-inch Retina MacBook Air would fit into the current lineup, analyst Daniel Matte argued that the laptop will be exactly 11.88'' in diagonal screen size, allowing Apple to offer a Retina Display (2732 x 1536, twice 1366x768) with the exact same PPI as the iPad Air (264 PPI)."

Apple's MacBook Air line-up was last updated in June 2013 when the iPhone-maker integrated Intel's Haswell processors and 802.11ac Gigabit Wi-Fi connectivity into the device, says BGR.

As usual, the tech giant has not commented on any of the MacBook Air rumors hitting online.