The MacBook Air with retina display release date may happen in the second or third quarter of next year, according to Apple-centric web site 9to5Mac.

There is a possibility that Apple fans might see the new generation of MacBook Air with retina display in 2014. After the launch of new MacBook Pros with retina display, new speculations claimed that Apple's slimmer laptop will pack the same high resolution screen display.

According to market research firm DisplaySearch, the Cupertino-based company will include retina display in the MacBook Air line. This points to the arrival of the next generation of Apple's ultrabook.

Analyst David Hsieh wrote in his note to investors that Apple may have strayed away from its top position as an early adopter in display technology. However, this is about to change next year as Apple will innovate its upcoming products in the late 2013 to 2014. Thus, Apple may bring Retina display technology to its ultra-lightweight notebook next year.

KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi-Kuo predicted that the upcoming MacBook Air line will herald the future Apple's A8 chip processor. Kuo also said that the same 2013 laptop model will have a 12-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2304 x 1440p. The analyst also noted that this 12-inch Macbook Air will feature ""both the portability of the 11-inch model, and the productivity of the 13 inch model."

According to Macrumors, despite packing a retina display, the MacBook Air will be slightly cheaper than its predecessor.

The current generation of MacBook Air received commendations for its longer battery life. The new ultrabook now boasts more than 12 hours of battery life to complement the new chipset of the laptop.

Apple's laptop is powered by Intel's Haswell processor, which delivers faster and better performance. The newly-released MacBook Air faster wi-fi feature just like the MacBook Air. MacBook Air packs 802.11ac wi-fi, which means faster connectivity for the device as well as faster storage options.

Apple still has not confirmed whether MacBook Air will receive a retina display as well as its concrete release date. The refreshed MacBook Air was released last September.