Apple is preparing to make a move in the entry-level market with a new cheap MacBook which could be presented the first week of MarchThere is no official confirmation yet, but the accumulation of leaks and hints from Tim Cook himself suggest that the most affordable laptop in the catalog is just around the corner.
This model would be located below the MacBook AirIn terms of both price and features, Apple aims to carve out a niche among students, casual users, and educational settings that have almost exclusively relied on inexpensive Windows laptops or Chromebooks. However, to keep the price down, Apple will cut corners in several areas, from the screen to connectivity.
A cheap MacBook, but not as cheap as we thought
The first leaks spoke of a aggressive starting price, between $599 and $699A price that would have placed it very close to some high-end Chromebooks and below many traditional brand Windows laptops. In Spain, that could have translated to around €699, making it the cheapest Mac laptop in recent history.
However, the latest reports from the supply chain They paint a less optimistic picture: the price range is now estimated at $699 to $799, and some even mention a base price closer to $749-$750. If Apple's usual European pricing is applied, the device would end up costing around €899-€999.
This price increase would be motivated, above all, by the increased cost of key components such as DRAM memory and NAND storageSuppliers are reporting price increases of nearly 100% for some LPDDR5X chips, in addition to rising costs for raw materials such as cobalt for batteries.
Even so, everything points to the fact that It will remain the most affordable laptop in Apple's catalogFurthermore, in Europe, and especially in Spain, the usual discounts for students and the education sector could make it a slightly more affordable option for those who purchase it through academic programs.
A18 Pro chip instead of the M series: mobile performance, Mac usability
One of the most striking decisions of this project is that Apple It will not use an M-family chip, but an A18 Pro processor.The same chip that powers the iPhone 16 Pro. This is the first time a chip designed for mobile phones has been used as the main processor in a Mac laptop.
This has logically raised doubts about his behavior with heavier desktop tasksHowever, preliminary performance data is less worrying than it might seem. Geekbench 6 tests, The A18 Pro outperforms the M1 in single-core performance (3409 vs. 2369 points) and it remains practically on par in multi-core (8492 versus 8576).
On paper, that would put the future budget MacBook in a position to be more affordable. at the level of the first MacBook Air with M1 In terms of raw power, a machine that five years later is still more than enough for office work, browsing, multimedia and even some light photo and video editing.
This chip would come with 8 GB of built-in memoryThe same amount of RAM was offered by the entry-level MacBook Air M1. This is a step back from Apple's current strategy, which tends to start at 16GB in many of its new Macs, but it fits with the more basic approach of the product and helps to keep costs down.
MacBook Air-style design and a smaller-than-usual screen
On the physical level, leaks agree that this model will focus on an aluminum chassis very similar to that of the 13-inch MacBook Air, maintaining a slim and lightweight design that is already very recognizable in Apple's range of laptops.
The screen will be another differentiating factor. There's talk of a LCD panel less than 13 inchesWith a screen size of around 12,9 inches, it would be the smallest MacBook in the current lineup. This reduction in size, combined with the use of a simpler display technology, also helps to lower the final cost.
However, there will be downsides: it is expected a maximum brightness below 500 nitswhich is the current standard for MacBook Air and Pro. For most users, this won't be a problem indoors, but visibility outdoors or in brightly lit environments could suffer compared to more expensive models.
Another important resignation is the absence of true ToneThe feature that automatically adjusts the screen's white balance and color tone based on ambient light. Those coming from a Mac with this technology will notice a more abrupt change in color perception when moving between different rooms.
Youthful colors and cuts in connectivity and extras
To compensate for these sacrifices, Apple would invest heavily in aesthetics. Several sources mention that which would include yellow, green, blue, and pink, alongside more classic options like silver and dark gray. It's a clear nod to the old iBook G3 and a clear message that the team is targeting a youth and education audience.
In terms of connectivity, the company will also adjust its approach: The ports would be standard USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2)It lacks Thunderbolt support. For many everyday uses—charging, basic peripherals, modest external drives—it will suffice, but those who rely on high-resolution monitors or high-performance external drives will miss the versatility of Thunderbolt.
Another striking cut is the likely absence of the N1 chipApple's own component that brings Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread to the iPhone 17 and other recent devices. Instead, this budget MacBook would use a MediaTek connectivity chip with older standards, sufficient for everyday use, but somewhat less prepared for future networks.
In the audio section, leaks of the system code suggest that There will be no support for high-impedance headphonesIn other words, those using headphones with demanding amplification capabilities will not be able to connect them directly with the same results as on a recent MacBook Air or Pro, and will have to resort to external interfaces or amplifiers.
Keyboard without backlighting and more modest storage
The keyboard would also fall victim to the scissors. Several reports agree that This budget MacBook will do without backlit keysA feature that was previously taken for granted on any Mac laptop. It's an unusual cutback, but consistent with the idea of ​​cutting back on anything that isn't strictly essential.
In storage, the strategy will involve more modest optionsThe main configurations are rumored to be 256GB and 512GB, with a possible 128GB version specifically designed for the education sector. There will be no 1TB or 2TB variants, as those are reserved for the MacBook Air and Pro.
Furthermore, the integrated SSD would slower than that of current MacBook AirsThis is likely because Apple opted for a single NAND chip instead of parallel modules. In daily use, this will be most noticeable in intensive file copying tasks or heavy workflows, which are less common for the target user of this device.
Compatibility is also not expected with fast chargeThe maximum wattage has not been specified, but everything indicates that it will fall short of the charging levels offered today by the MacBook Pro and some Air models, lengthening the time to reach 100% battery.
Positioning against the MacBook Air and other budget laptops
Beyond the technical details, what's interesting about this project is how Apple wants to reposition its laptop lineupWith a budget MacBook around 899-999 euros in Europe and a MacBook Air clearly above that, the brand is building a more tiered price ladder for those who want to get into macOS.
The objective is clear: to compete head-to-head with mid-range Windows laptops and ChromebooksThese devices are very common in schools, colleges, universities, and companies that previously dismissed Macs due to price. A computer with an A18 Pro chip, good battery life, and a refined design can be very appealing to users who prioritize overall experience over raw power.
Internal comparisons, however, will be inevitable. Many are wondering if Wouldn't it have been more sensible to keep the MacBook Air M1 alive? at a reduced price, considering that the actual performance of the new model with A18 Pro is expected to be very similar, with the added advantage of an architecture that is already more than proven on desktop.
In any case, the move fits with Apple's broader strategy of strengthen its mid-rangeAn entry-level laptop, an Air as the next step up, and above that, the Pro models with the latest generation M chips. What remains to be seen is how the European market will react, where price sensitivity is greater and competition in the €600 to €1.000 price range is fierce.
With all the leaks about this budget Apple MacBook—a less aggressive price than expected, the use of the A18 Pro chip, a smaller screen, cuts in brightness, True Tone, keyboard and connectivity, but also youthful colors, an Air-like design and a clear focus on students and basic uses—it looks like a laptop designed to open the door to the macOS ecosystem for more people, sacrificing luxuries and some flexibility in exchange for lowering the entry bar to the Mac world as much as current costs allow.
