Apple’s MacBook lineup has traditionally been positioned as a premium product range with a price tag to match. However, recent reports suggest that the tech giant may be preparing to launch a more affordable MacBook in 2025. If the leaks are accurate, the new device could cost as little as $599, making it nearly 40 percent cheaper than the latest MacBook Air models. This move could significantly shake up the laptop market, especially for students, budget-conscious buyers, and those seeking entry into Apple’s macOS ecosystem without breaking the bank.
Summary Table
| Feature / Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Expected Price | $599 – $699 |
| Display Size | 12.9 inches |
| Processor | Apple A18 Pro (iPhone 16 Pro chip) |
| Colors | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow |
| Production Start | Late Q4 2025 or Early Q1 2026 |
| Potential Release | Late 2025 or Early 2026 |
| Target Market | Students, budget buyers, Chromebook switchers |
| Official Site | www.apple.com |
Pricing and Positioning
According to Taiwanese tech site DigiTimes, the budget MacBook could be priced between $599 and $699. The lower end of this range would make it one of the most affordable MacBooks in years, nearly matching the price of the M1 MacBook Air from late 2020, which Walmart has been offering at $599 during sales in 2025.
For perspective:
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M4 MacBook Air starts at around $1,099
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A $599 MacBook would be 40% cheaper
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The price would be competitive with high-end Chromebooks and Windows laptops in the midrange category
This pricing strategy would allow Apple to appeal to a broader audience, particularly those who find current MacBooks out of reach.
Display Size and Design
One of the most interesting details from DigiTimes’ report is that this affordable MacBook could feature a 12.9-inch display. This makes it slightly smaller than the current 13-inch MacBook Air but still large enough for comfortable productivity and media consumption.
Apple may also be looking to differentiate the new MacBook with a wider range of colors. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed that the device could come in silver, blue, pink, and yellow, adding a more youthful and vibrant aesthetic to the lineup.
Hardware and Performance
Perhaps the most surprising leak is that this budget MacBook could be powered by an iPhone chip specifically, the Apple A18 Pro. This is the same chip used in last year’s iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
If true, this would make the new MacBook the first-ever MacBook to run on an iPhone processor rather than an Apple Silicon M-series chip. While the A18 Pro may not match the raw performance of M-series processors, it is highly efficient, optimized for battery life, and powerful enough for most everyday computing tasks, such as:
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Web browsing
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Office productivity
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Streaming and media playback
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Light creative work
Potential Market Impact
If Apple goes ahead with this strategy, the new MacBook could:
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Attract students who need an affordable yet reliable laptop for studies
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Challenge premium Chromebooks from brands like HP, Acer, and Samsung
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Serve as a secondary device for existing Apple users
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Expand macOS adoption among budget-conscious buyers
Given the popularity of the M1 MacBook Air as a budget-friendly option when discounted, an official low-cost MacBook could see high demand.
Release Timeline
Ming-Chi Kuo’s earlier prediction suggests that the affordable MacBook could enter mass production in late Q4 2025 or early Q1 2026. That means an official announcement might occur before the end of 2025, with availability shortly afterward.
Interestingly, this places it ahead of the rumored M5 and M6 MacBooks, indicating Apple might prioritize this budget model to capture market interest quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Will the $599 MacBook be as powerful as the MacBook Air M-series models?
A. Not quite. Since it may use an A18 Pro iPhone chip instead of an M-series processor, performance will likely be lower, but it should still handle everyday tasks efficiently.
2. Why would Apple make a cheaper MacBook now?
A. With growing competition from Chromebooks and affordable Windows laptops, Apple may want to capture a broader market segment, especially among students and first-time Mac buyers.
3. Will it run macOS?
A. Yes, it is expected to run macOS, but with optimizations for the A-series chip.
4. How will it compare to the M1 MacBook Air on sale?
A. While performance could be similar in certain tasks, the M1 chip is still more desktop-oriented. The A18 Pro MacBook might win in battery life and portability.
5. When can I buy it?
A. If leaks are accurate, the device could be announced late 2025 and be available by early 2026.
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