Apple is expected to stop production of the 13-inch MacBook Pro in the second half of 2014 and will replace the product line with thinner models equipped with a Retina display. Meanwhile, Intel will offer second-generation ultrabooks in the fourth quarter of 2014, pushing the notebook industry further into the ultra-thin era, according to Taiwan-based supply chain makers.

　　The sources pointed out that Apple has been reducing its MacBook Pro prices, narrowing the price gap between the MacBook Pro and the one equipped with Retina. Apple stopped producing the 15-inch MacBook Pro in 2013 and will end production of its 13-inch model in 2014.

　　Apple sold 17.12 million Mac products in 2013, down 1.03% on year and the product line is the weakest among the US vendor's businesses.

　　On the other hand, Intel is planning to release second-generation ultrabooks using its next-generation Broadwell processors. With better power consumption and support for Ultra HD panels and WiGig wireless technologies, the strong price/performance ratio may help boost demand, the sources added.