Apple is reportedly working on a new ultra-low-cost MacBook, with prices starting at just $699 for the general public and $599 for educational institutions.
Why it matters: This would be the first time Apple has offered a MacBook for under $999, potentially expanding its market share in the budget-conscious consumer and educational segments.
The details:
- The new MacBook will be powered by the A18 Pro chip, a departure from Apple’s traditional use of M-series processors in its laptops.
- It will feature a 12.9-inch display, slightly smaller than the current 13.6-inch MacBook Air, with lower resolution and brightness.
- The laptop will be available in colorful casing options, including silver, pink, and yellow.
- Initial production stages are scheduled to begin next month, with full-scale manufacturing potentially underway by the end of the year.
The introduction of this low-cost MacBook is likely to impact MacBook Air sales, although Apple may differentiate it through casing materials or color options.
What they’re saying:
- Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that the new MacBook model will head into production in late 2025 or early 2026.
- Supply chain sources indicate that component production for the upcoming model will begin next month, paving the way for completed assembly by year-end.
The arrival of this budget-friendly MacBook could make it an ideal choice for users engaging in undemanding tasks such as writing, emailing, and web browsing.
The other side: The introduction of a $599 MacBook could potentially affect Apple’s iPad sales, as the price difference between the base iPad with a Magic Keyboard Folio and the budget MacBook would be just $41.
What’s next: Full system assembly could potentially start by the third quarter of 2025, setting the stage for a 2026 market release. Apple aims to offer a spectrum of MacBooks catering to various price points and user needs.