Apple’s $699 Low-Cost MacBook with A18 Pro Chip Targets Budget Buyers

Apple is developing an affordable MacBook to compete in the budget laptop segment. The new model will launch in early 2026 with a targeted starting price of $699. This move aims to capture price-sensitive consumers and students previously priced out of the Mac ecosystem.

According to supply chain reports, production will begin in late 2025. The device will feature Apple’s smartphone chip technology rather than traditional laptop processors.

Display and Design Compromises for Lower Price Point

The low-cost MacBook will likely use a 13.6-inch display similar to the current MacBook Air. This approach allows Apple to reuse existing manufacturing tools and designs. The strategy helps keep development costs under control.

The screen will not include premium features like ProMotion technology. This omission represents one of several cost-saving measures. The chassis may resemble current MacBook Air models with minor modifications.

A18 Pro Chip Replaces Traditional M-Series Processors

Apple will use its A18 Pro chip instead of an M-series processor. This smartphone chip currently powers the iPhone 16 Pro models. The move significantly reduces production costs while maintaining solid performance.

The A18 Pro features a 6-core CPU and 6-core GPU. It’s manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 3nm process technology. The chip delivers excellent energy efficiency for longer battery life.

However, the A18 Pro lacks Thunderbolt support. This limitation means slower data transfer speeds through USB-C ports. External display support may also be more restricted than on M-series MacBooks.

Base Configuration and Target Market

The entry-level model will likely feature 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. This configuration matches the base specifications of current iPhones. The specs should suffice for students and general users.

Apple targets college students and Windows converts with this model. The timing coincides with Microsoft ending Windows 10 support in 2025. This creates potential switching opportunities for security-conscious users.

The education market represents particularly fertile ground. Apple has historically offered discounts to educational institutions. A lower starting price makes MacBooks more accessible to schools.

Pricing Strategy and Market Impact

The $699 price point undercuts Apple’s current cheapest MacBook by approximately $200. This aggressive positioning challenges Windows laptop manufacturers. No premium Windows competitor offers similar build quality at this price.

Current MacBook Air models frequently discount to $899 through retailers. The new model would establish a permanent lower price tier. This expands Apple’s addressable market considerably.

Industry analysts believe the timing is strategic. The post-pandemic laptop market shows increased price sensitivity. Consumers and institutions seek value without sacrificing reliability.

Apple’s budget MacBook could reshape the entire laptop market when it arrives. The combination of MacOS reliability and aggressive pricing presents a formidable challenge to competitors. This move might finally bring MacBooks to the masses.

Thought you’d like to know

When will Apple release the affordable MacBook?

Supply chain reports suggest production will begin in late 2025. The official launch will likely occur in early 2026. Apple typically announces new products in March or October events.

How much will the low-cost MacBook cost?

The target starting price is $699 for the base model. This represents approximately a $200 reduction from current entry-level MacBooks. Higher configurations will cost more.

Why is Apple using a smartphone chip in a laptop?

The A18 Pro chip significantly reduces manufacturing costs. It provides sufficient performance for basic computing tasks. The chip’s efficiency also enables excellent battery life.

Will the affordable MacBook support professional applications?

The device will handle everyday tasks smoothly. Professional applications may run but with limitations. Content creators and developers should consider more powerful models.

Can students get additional discounts on this model?

Apple traditionally offers education pricing on all Mac products. Students can likely purchase the device below the $699 starting price. Educational institutions may receive bulk purchase discounts.

Trusted Sources: DigiTimes, MacRumors, industry analysts