Apple is reportedly working on a new, more affordable MacBook that could launch as soon as this year, with a starting price as low as $599. This exciting news comes from a recent report out of Asia, which suggests that Apple aims to compete with budget-friendly devices like Chromebooks.
The speculation regarding Apple's low-cost MacBook plans first emerged in late June, when renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that the company is developing a more budget-friendly 13-inch laptop. While Kuo did not specify a price at that time, he indicated that this new model would cater to consumers looking for an affordable alternative and help drive overall MacBook sales.
Kuo mentioned that the upcoming MacBook will utilize the A18 Pro chip, the same chip introduced in the iPhone 16 Pro last year. This would mark a significant shift, as it would be the first Mac powered by an iPhone chip. Historically, all Apple silicon Macs have relied on M-series chips, known for their superior core counts, increased memory capacity, and enhanced external display support.
According to Kuo, the new MacBook is expected to enter mass production in late 2025 or early 2026. Today, DigiTimes has corroborated Kuo's predictions, suggesting that the anticipated pricing will range from $599 to $699. For context, the current 13-inch MacBook Air is priced at $999 in the U.S., or $899 with Apple’s student discount.
DigiTimes also reports that the new laptop will feature a 12.9-inch display, making it slightly smaller than the existing MacBook Air which has a 13.6-inch screen. Some components for this new model are expected to enter mass production by the end of the third quarter of 2025, with full system assembly likely commencing before the year ends. Final assembly is anticipated to occur at Quanta's facilities in the fourth quarter, aligning with Kuo’s projected launch timeline.
Market analysts estimate that annual shipments of this low-cost MacBook could reach between 5 million and 7 million units, significantly boosting Apple’s total MacBook sales from the current 17 million to 18 million units, representing a potential increase of 30% to 40%.
Kuo also envisions that the affordable MacBook will feature an ultra-thin and lightweight design, available in several attractive colors including Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow. However, it’s important to note that the A18 Pro chip does not support Thunderbolt, suggesting that the new MacBook will likely come with standard USB-C ports. Nevertheless, this limitation may not deter customers who are primarily focused on obtaining the most affordable Mac possible.
As Apple prepares for the potential release of this budget-friendly MacBook, we want to hear your thoughts. Would you be interested in purchasing such a laptop? Let us know in the comments!
