Apple's Low-Cost MacBook: Everything We Know So Far

[JPack]

I expect it’ll be priced not much lower than the entry level MacBook Air in order to get people to think “If I spend $100/200 more I can get a better machine”

This is intended to fight Chromebooks and Chromebook Plus. If Apple prices it $799, it's a non-starter. Schools and students will just go back to buying Google.

The idea here is Apple will give up margins for entry level devices. But in the long run, they gain a customer for life. The kid who grows up using Mac will be more likely to buy and recommend Mac and iPhone in the future.

 

[Benjamin Nabulsi]

This product will make no sense, they've already moved away from intel licensing cost, half baked M processors should be enough to power cheaper laptop version without using A processors.

 

[ifxf]

It would also be a good mass-market machine in the Walmarts and Targets of teh world; replacing the ~600 Air with a machine around the same price point. It could be a perfect machine for a user that just really needs the web, email, and an office suite; as well as a good choice for students.

It is targeted for schools.

 

[DougiePhresh]

My 2020 M1 MBP runs circles around my fiancé’s 2025 M4 MBA. If they put an iPhone-class chip in a laptop … it’s going to be a nightmare

 

[sleeptodream]

I WILL EAT MY LEFT ARM if the low-cost MacBook is priced below $699 retail. Not a CHANCE. And honestly, I'd more readily believe $799. What isn't being considered here is that the MacBook Air is unlikely to hold onto that $999 entry price for much longer. The M3 MacBook Air models had already been at a starting price of $1099, and Apple was able to claw it back down with M4. With the tariff situation being what it is, I can all but guarantee that the MacBook Air M5 will start at at LEAST $1,099 again, and possibly higher (but hopefully not).

Let's assume then for the moment that the next MacBook Air starts at $1099, the "low cost" version could come in at $799, and it would appear to be a bargain, while at the same time, maintaining the typical Apple premium.

I think $799 is going to be the cost, but I'm willing to acknowledge that $699 is at least a remote possibility.

But a $599 retail MacBook? Not in my lifetime.

I could be wrong, and that's fine. I'm a righty anyway.

I think you’re right on this. Unless they really cheap out on everything else on it, I think it will be $899 honestly ($799 with the student discount) while the MBA goes back up to $1099

These are going to be way more powerful than the old 12” Macbooks were for their time, there is no way this will launch at just over half the price of those, especially considering inflation over the last 10 years, plus tariffs

 

[sleeptodream]

I hope they use the tooling for the old M1 MBA for these, and just refresh the chip and add fun colors. That would be a day 1 purchase for me as a travel computer, especially if I can get it in pink!

I really can’t see them spending money on new tooling for a low margin product like this, plus it makes sense from a screen size and port perspective to use the M1 case, and would visually distance the cheaper Macbook from the more expensive MBA and MBP

 

[BornAgainMac]

Hell no, it’s the PowerBook G5!

The PowerBook G5 would be a great budget MacBook for basic tasks like Notes, Calendar, and the Phone app.

 

[Mainsail]

I am just spitballing but, how about a "MacBook" with an A18 chip that runs iPadOS 26 and has a touch screen. It seems the bill of materials would be significantly less than an iPad Air plus a separate keyboard, and there are plenty of low cost computers with touch screens.

I know this is counter to Apple doctrine, but maybe the time has come for this type of computer.

 

[red elma]

Air is low coast already... How low can you go?...

 

[Siliconguy]

Email, internet usage, messaging - its more than enough

LibreOffice runs very well on a base M1.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Unless this alleged device is remarkably cheaper than the MBA, I am not sure how it will draw more consumers than the MBA.

 

[Siliconguy]

Air is low coast already... How low can you go?...

Ignoring Chromebook's which are $199, not what TFA claimed, you can get a pretty good laptop for $500.

It's a 15" with a so-so screen, I'd rather have a 13" with a better screen but it doesn't need to be Retina because I have the scaling set to 1280 X 800 on the M1 Air as that is as small as I can read it.

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It also has 3 USB ports, HDMI, and an SD card slot. the CPU is roughly M1 performance level.

 

[MysteriousStain]

Makes you think: imagine buying a laptop that is just screen, keyboard and a trackpad and slot your phone into it for a bigger device.

 

[drumcat]

I keep hearing this. My guess is that the Air will start receiving the A-series. Pro get the M-series.

 

[drumcat]

Makes you think: imagine buying a laptop that is just screen and a trackpad and slot your phone into it for a bigger device.

Been hoping for this a very long time. The phone should be the actual trackpad. Think Magic Trackpad, but maybe cabled.

 

[macfacts]

Most important question not asked: What OS does it run?

 

[Black_Mage]

I predict we will all be surprised by how capable an A18 is. That said, it's not for me. I'll stick with MacBook Pros for laptops. This new product has the potential to be a game changer, depending on how much it costs.

 

[Andy_2341]

Makes you think: imagine buying a laptop that is just screen, keyboard and a trackpad and slot your phone into it for a bigger device.

This exists on the android side. Look up NexDock.

 

[california_kid]

Been hoping for this a very long time. The phone should be the actual trackpad. Think Magic Trackpad, but maybe cabled.

You mean like this?

Phone Dock

 

[EugW]

I WILL EAT MY LEFT ARM if the low-cost MacBook is priced below $699 retail. Not a CHANCE. And honestly, I'd more readily believe $799. What isn't being considered here is that the MacBook Air is unlikely to hold onto that $999 entry price for much longer. The M3 MacBook Air models had already been at a starting price of $1099, and Apple was able to claw it back down with M4. With the tariff situation being what it is, I can all but guarantee that the MacBook Air M5 will start at at LEAST $1,099 again, and possibly higher (but hopefully not).

I'm guessing the M4/M5 MacBook Air will hold its $999 price, and the A18 Pro MacBook (Air?) will retail for $799 in the US, but with frequent sales at Best Buy and Amazon at $699 to match Apple US edu pricing.

The first version of the 12-inch MacBook had a low-power Core M chip, and it came out in 2015, well before Apple transitioned to Apple silicon. There were no fans inside and that kept it thin and quiet, a design that Apple has continued with the MacBook Air.

Just a little tidbit, after the 5th gen, Intel changed it from Core M to Core m.

5th Generation Intel® Core™ M Processors Product Specifications

5th Generation Intel® Core™ M Processors product listing with links to detailed product features and specifications.

www.intel.com

6th Generation Intel® Core™ m Processors Product Specifications

6th Generation Intel® Core™ m Processors product listing with links to detailed product features and specifications.

www.intel.com

7th Generation Intel® Core™ m Processors Product Specifications

7th Generation Intel® Core™ m Processors product listing with links to detailed product features and specifications.

www.intel.com

 

[entropys]

Fake rumour. They’re bringing back the G3 new

Finally the legendary PowerBook G5!

Edit: Sorry, should have read right thru the thread and not repeat anyone.

 

[JohnC1959]

I keep hearing this. My guess is that the Air will start receiving the A-series. Pro get the M-series.

I was going to doubt this but then I recalled an upcoming MacBook pro is expected to be extra thin. They may find the line between pro and air is too thin and so do as you suggest. So half or so of current Air users would go pro and the others go with the low cost A series Air. Could be done in a couple stages.

 

[entropys]

The PowerBook G5 would be a great budget MacBook for basic tasks like Notes, Calendar, and the Phone app.

And keeping warm in winter.

 

[Lioness~]

I don't care much about the price of this rumored smaller MacBook.
But if Apple will make a smaller 11/12" Mac Book's again, I would buy it.

 

[Hkfan45]

Yet Apple refuses to release a Mac OS version for iPad or even iPhones as a “pro” option. Do that first. Apple, your issue isn’t a lack of hardware but your ancient software.