Apple is reportedly finalizing the details of a new low-cost MacBook with aluminum casing and bright colored finishThis is an unusual combination for the company's laptop lineup. The idea is to appeal to users who previously considered MacBook Airs out of their budget, without completely abandoning the brand's signature materials and design.
An affordable MacBook in aluminum and iMac-like colors.
The main distinguishing feature of this model would be the use of a aluminum casing instead of plasticThis is unusual for entry-level laptops. Apple has reportedly developed a new manufacturing process that allows for faster and cheaper aluminum production than in current MacBook Air and Pro models, reducing steps and time to lower costs without changing the material.
This approach would allow for maintaining a relatively premium product feel, although the price would clearly be below $1.000Leaks point to an approximate range between $699 and $799, with $699 being the most frequently mentioned figure, intended to make the device more attractive compared to mid-range Windows laptops and Chromebooks.
In terms of aesthetics, Apple reportedly tested several color options: light yellow, light green, blue, pink, silver, and dark grayIt's not confirmed that all these colors will make it to the commercial model, but the intention would be to differentiate this laptop from the more classic MacBook Air and attract a younger audience or those who prefer a device that's somewhat less visually serious.
This approach would fit with a Apple's broader offensive in the low-end marketThe report also mentions products like an iPhone from the "e" line and a more affordable iPad. Overall, the company aims to better serve the segment of users looking to enter the Apple ecosystem without having to pay the price of traditional models.
The "iPhone 16e" of MacBooks: targeting students and businesses
Internally, this laptop would be known by the code name J700 and would be presented as a kind of equivalent to the iPhone 16e within the Mac range. The philosophy would be clear: to reduce the entry price to the ecosystem while maintaining a reasonable experience, albeit with several technical compromises compared to the MacBook Air and Pro.
The target audience would consist primarily of Students and business users who are budget-consciousIn both cases, the combination of a more affordable price, aluminum design, and a system like macOS could be attractive to those who need a computer for office tasks, online classes, web browsing, and relatively lightweight applications.
The company had reportedly set itself a target of annual sales of between 5 and 8 million units For this model, this would significantly expand the Mac user base. To achieve that figure, the device would have to compete not only with other laptops in its price range, but also with occasional promotions on discounted MacBook Airs, especially in large European department stores and online retailers.
Gurman places the possible announcement in March. at an event where new MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips could also be unveiled.If confirmed, Apple would concentrate a large part of the new features of its laptop range in the same period, covering everything from the entry-level segment to the top of the catalog.
A18 Pro chip instead of M processor: change of focus
One of the most striking aspects of this project is that Apple has reportedly opted for Instead of using an M-family processor designed specifically for computers, this decision breaks with the usual strategy for Macs since the arrival of Apple Silicon.
The A18 Pro was initially designed for mobile phones, but Its performance is approaching that of the first M1 in various scenarios, so it shouldn't fall short for everyday tasks. Browsing, working with documents, video calls, content consumption, and lightweight applications are all within what this chip can handle with ease.
Where more doubts might arise is in scenarios of demanding multitasking or video and photo editing of a certain levelAlthough the A18 Pro is powerful, it is not designed for the prolonged workloads that can occur in a heavy-duty laptop, and that's where the M chips retain an advantage, especially in long-term efficiency and in handling several heavy applications at the same time.
Apple has already demonstrated with the iPad Pro that Their iPhone chips can move smoothly in larger devicesHowever, the switch to macOS implies different uses and user expectations. In any case, this low-cost MacBook doesn't seem geared towards the professional who edits 4K video daily, but rather towards someone who prioritizes price and reasonable performance for everyday use.
12,9-inch screen, 8GB of RAM, and cutouts in ports
Regarding the screen, leaks point to a panel of about 12,9 inches, very close to the traditional 13 inchesThis would maintain a relatively compact size, but with enough space to work comfortably with documents or multiple windows on screen, especially in environments such as universities, offices, or teleworking.
In terms of memory, the team would start from 8 GB of RAM, below the 12 GB that were initially consideredThis figure is currently the minimum reasonable for general use, but it may fall short for those who tend to accumulate many browser tabs, open applications, and background processes. Compared to MacBook Air models that start with configurations of more memory, users here might notice the limitations sooner.
In terms of physical connectivity, the laptop would integrate a USB 3.2 Gen 2 controller with speeds up to 10 Gb/sA reasonable figure for an entry-level device. However, support for Thunderbolt ports would be omitted, remaining a feature reserved for more expensive models, especially those designed for users with high-resolution external monitors, eGPUs (on Intel), or very fast storage solutions.
There is also talk of the absence of backlit keyboard, another of the planned cutsEven so, Apple would retain the haptic trackpad, present in the rest of its laptop range, which would help preserve part of the user experience that the brand has been refining over the last few years.
Closer to the iPad in philosophy than to traditional Macs
With all these elements on the table, this new laptop is shaping up to be The Mac closest to the iPad philosophy that we've seen so farThe combination of an iPhone chip, a competitive price, a compact size, and cuts in ports and extras places it somewhere between an iPad with a keyboard and an entry-level MacBook Air.
The key difference compared to an iPad with a Magic Keyboard would be that The keyboard and trackpad are part of the product itself. And they don't represent an additional cost. That could make it especially interesting for students in Spain and other European countries, where the budget for computer equipment is often limited, both individually and in educational institutions.
The expected price range, around At $699-$799, it would be significantly priced below the MacBook Air.However, it's worth noting that in markets like Spain, the final price in euros usually includes taxes and may vary depending on promotions, agreements with distributors, and specific campaigns, which is common in Apple's laptop range.
The big question is whether the company It has managed to cut costs without overly compromising the user experience.A laptop with 8GB of RAM, limited storage, and fewer ports can work well if the user is clear that they are buying a laptop for basic tasks. If expectations are closer to those of a MacBook Air or Pro, the differences will likely be more noticeable than expected.
However, if Apple manages to keep this cheap MacBook from Good fluidity with the A18 Pro chip, a solid aluminum build, and acceptable battery lifeIt could become an interesting gateway to the Mac world for many European users who until now saw these computers as something beyond their budget.