Apple's highly-anticipated 12-inch MacBook Air with Retina display could launch as soon as this quarter, according to a new report out of Taiwan.

Quanta Computer has reportedly started production for the purported MacBook Air with a 12-inch Retina display, so Apple could finally launch the device in the near future.

The news comes from DigiTies, which cites sources within the Taiwan-based supply chain and claims that the upcoming 12-inch MacBook Air has recently entered "volume production." Quanta Computer has reportedly hired more people as of late, in order to ramp up production for this new MacBook Air, as well as the much-touted Apple Watch. According to the report, Quanta could also hire as many as 30,000 more workers this quarter.

Moreover, DigiTimes further claims that this purported 12-inch MacBook Air with Retina display will come to replace the entry-level 11-inch MacBook Air Apple currently has in its lineup. The non-Retina 13-inch MacBook Air model, meanwhile, will reportedly continue to be available, according to the publication.

It's worth pointing out that nothing is officially confirmed at this point, and DigiTimes does not have a very good track record when it comes to the accuracy of its Apple-related leaks and predictions.

On the other hand, some details do seem to support the claim that Apple's 12-inch MacBook Air could make an imminent debut. For instance, the device is expected to boast Intel's new 14-nanometer chip technology under the hood, and Intel has officially unveiled its new "Broadwell" lineup of processors last week at CES 2015. Previous rumors had indicated that the 12-inch MacBook Air was facing delays over Intel's Broadwell, but that would no longer be the case with Intel's next-generation processors now out of the bag.

Based on rumors and reports so far, Apple's 12-inch MacBook Air will boast an ultra-thin design that even ditches the fan in favor of slimness. Other reports also claimed that Apple would rely on the new reversible USB 3.1 Type C connector, which is smaller, and ditch all full-size USB ports. Moreover, the upcoming MacBook Air with a 12-inch Retina display is also rumored to come with a new trackpad with no physical buttons, as well as fewer inputs and outputs.

Keep in mind, however, that it's all in the rumor state at this point, so take this report with a grain of salt until Apple makes an official announcement. We'll keep you up to date as soon as more information becomes available, so make sure to check back.