One thing we know about Apple. And that is that they are catering to the premium lap top market only. But, is that about to change? Is it possible that Apple could enter a new segment of the market?
Well, according to the Ming-Chi Kuo that is entirely possible. The company is working on a new MacBook at a lower price. What we know so far is that the laptop will get the A18 Pro chip. Just for your reference, this chip is powering the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Table of Contents
Comparison of Budget-Friendly MacBooks
| Model | Price (USD) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refurbished MacBook Air (M1) | From $749 | Excellent performance, long battery life, lightweight design | Limited storage options, only two Thunderbolt ports |
| MacBook Air (M2) | From $999 | Faster performance than M1, MagSafe charging, improved webcam | Higher price point |
| Refurbished MacBook Pro (M1) | From $1,099 | More powerful than MacBook Air, better display, additional ports (HDMI, SD card reader) | Heavier and thicker than MacBook Air |
| MacBook Pro (13-inch, M2) | From $1,299 | ProRes acceleration, longer battery life than M1 model | Only two Thunderbolt ports |
Key Takeaways
- The MacBook Air is the most affordable entry in Apple’s range of laptops.
- Discounts and special offers from various retailers can further reduce prices.
- Evaluating personal needs against the MacBook’s features ensures cost-effectiveness.
Factors Influencing MacBook Pricing
Several factors can impact MacBook prices, such as model year, specs, and condition. Newer models usually come at a higher price, while older ones are often discounted. Refurbished or second-hand MacBooks offer savings, and these units often undergo rigorous testing to ensure quality. Keep in mind, the storage capacity and processing power can also affect pricing. Seasonal sales and education discounts may lower costs too. Buyers should always review the seller’s privacy policy and the product’s warranty before purchasing.
Apple MacBook Rumor
The cheap version of the MacBook is rumored to use a 13-inch display. Like we said, it would pack A18 Pro chip, and it would come in four colours: Blue, yellow, pink and silver. It is estimated that the mass production of this laptop would begin somewhere at the end of the year, or early January 2026.
Now, why we should be sceptical. Apple already introduced the redesigned entry-level iPad in 2022, and, it wasn’t very affordable. It was starting the the price of $499.
What would Apple downgrade?
We know that this device might start selling at the price of $699. This is significantly lower than what we are used to. But then, what would Apple cut to get to this price?
It seems like an entry-level MacBook would get an 8GB of RAM, which is not bad to be honest. However, there could be other cuts as well. Such as the extra USB-C port, Touch ID a Center Stage webcam and battery capacity.
Is this a good trade off?
New MacBook: A good value for the money?
From all the things we listed so far, it feels like we are mostly going to miss the Touch ID feature. It’s something that all Apple users are used to. However, there is a precedant. The base model of M4 iMac does not come with a Touch ID keyboard.
Looking at the whole article, it seems like this is not too bad. At the price of $699 it is a good selling point. A $799 lap top is a much tougher sell. Let’s wait and see the price of this new device.
Summary
Apple is showing us what can exist on the market. If Apple were to release a cheaper MacBook without cutting too many key features, I’d be pleasantly suprised. We are still 3-9 months away from the release. Anything could happen. And a lot of things are still up in the air. However, Kuo expects Apple to sell 5-7 million units of this MacBook model.
