Katarzyna Petru
Apple is preparing for one of the most unexpected releases in recent years. According to leaks, the company plans to unveil a completely new, budget model of the MacBook that aims to break away from the existing pricing and styling policy. The device is set to be revealed during the Apple Experience event taking place simultaneously in New York, London, and Shanghai. The biggest surprise? The price. The new laptop is expected to cost significantly less than the current models in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro line, with the starting amount projected to drop below the $1000 barrier. This would signify Apple's real entry into the more affordable computer segment for students, pupils, and home users.
Colors like on the iMac and a return to bold design
The new MacBook may stand out not only in price but also in style. Leaks indicate tests of bright color variants, including yellow, green, blue, and pink, alongside the classic silver and dark gray. If this information is confirmed, it will be Apple’s most colorful laptop since the iconic iBook G3. The strategy resembles the approach taken with the new generations of iMac, which refreshed the image of Apple computers and attracted younger users.
Colorful cases could become a key element of marketing. Apple is clearly signaling that it wants to reach people who see laptops as everyday devices for streaming, office work, and learning.
Processor from iPhone instead of M chip?
The most interesting element of the specification concerns the processor. Instead of a chip from the M family, the new model is expected to utilize a unit known from iPhones, probably the A18 Pro.
This could be a groundbreaking move. The mobile chip means:
lower production costs,
very high energy efficiency,
long battery life,
less demand for active cooling.
However, the question arises about performance in more demanding tasks. Apple has been optimizing macOS for its own architectures for years, so it's possible that in everyday use, the differences compared to M chips will be less noticeable than the technical specifications suggest.
The laptop is expected to feature a 12.9-inch display and an aluminum casing, indicating that despite the lower price, Apple will not compromise on premium finishing.
New Pricing Strategy of Apple
The budget MacBook could be the answer to the growing competition in the cheaper Windows laptop segment. A price below the psychological barrier of $1,000 would significantly broaden the audience. Recently, Apple has been bolder in experimenting with more accessible hardware options. Lower-priced configurations of Mac mini, cheaper versions of MacBook Air, and budget models of iPhones like the iPhone 16e have emerged. The new MacBook could be the next step towards the mass market.
If the March presentation brings the debut of a cheaper, colorful MacBook with a processor from the iPhone, Apple could open a completely new chapter in its offerings. Price below $1000, fresh design, and an energy-efficient mobile chip could make it an ideal device for learning, office work, and streaming.
Source: MacRumors, RTV Maniak
