Apple is preparing to introduce its first truly budget-oriented MacBook, aiming to attract new customers with a lower-priced entry into the Mac ecosystem. According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the device is expected to be announced at a March event and will feature a range of distinctive color options.
The new notebook is reported to be powered by Apple’s A18 Pro processor, the same chipset used in the iPhone 16 lineup. While Apple’s Macs have traditionally relied on M-series chips optimized for desktop-class workloads, the decision to use an iPhone-class processor reflects a strategic push to lower costs without sacrificing everyday performance.
Although the A18 Pro is less powerful than the chips found in the MacBook Air, it represents a significant leap for Apple’s mobile silicon. The processor is widely regarded as the first iPhone chip to approach the performance levels of the original M1, making it suitable for general productivity tasks, media consumption, and light creative work.
This approach positions the upcoming MacBook as a competitor to affordable Windows laptops and Chromebooks, while still offering the benefits of macOS and Apple’s ecosystem.
Compact design with a premium build
Gurman reports that the new MacBook will feature a display just under 13 inches, with earlier leaks suggesting a 12.9-inch panel. Despite its lower price point, Apple is not expected to compromise on materials. Instead of plastic, the device will use an aluminum chassis produced through a newly developed manufacturing process that is said to be faster and more cost-efficient than those used for current MacBook Air and Pro models.
A splash of color
In a departure from Apple’s typically conservative Mac color palette, the company has reportedly tested several lighter and more playful finishes. These include light yellow, light green, blue, pink, alongside traditional silver and dark gray. Not all colors are guaranteed to make it to the final lineup, but the experiment signals Apple’s intent to broaden the Mac’s appeal, particularly among younger and first-time buyers.
Pricing and positioning
Previous reports suggest the new MacBook could be priced around $699, significantly undercutting the $999 starting price of the MacBook Air. While discounts on existing models often narrow that gap, the lower entry price could make this device a compelling option for users who have found Macs too expensive in the past.
If the reports hold, Apple’s March announcement could mark a notable shift in its Mac strategy—leveraging iPhone silicon, streamlined manufacturing, and bold design choices to expand its reach in the global laptop market.
