$699 is more realistic and yes, it will have bigger display than 12" hopefully
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Would you buy the $599 MacBook, when/if it will be released?
- Thread starter chmania
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I think a lot of people are going to be disappointed if they're expecting a $599 MSRP. However, even if somewhat more expensive, I'd strongly consider it for my kids for high school. One kid is currently using a 2015 13" Core i5 MacBook Pro, and the other kid using my old 2017 27" Core i5 iMac.
For myself though, I will continue to use my M4 iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard as my "laptop", with my old 2017 m3 12" MacBook as a backup for the few times I absolutely must use macOS.
View attachment 2570302
Apple dock could turn your iPhone into a MacBook
Apple has created a dock that could turn a future iPhone or iPad into a MacBook. The idea is explained in a patent application published on Thursday,www.cultofmac.com
Just look this product category up and the next doc looks pretty cool.i would be interested in an apple design product of this kind. I wonder if they are afraid it might take away sells for iPads and airs.
radow
macrumors member
If it's anything like the iPad 10th gen or iPhone 16e refresh then it's "cut too much corners" for me.
TheBeverage
macrumors regular
My mother is in need of a new MacBook as hers is from the early 2010s. This would be an enormous upgrade for her and I plan to buy it for her if/when it comes out. I don't think it's for the average MacRumours poster, but rather casual, often older, users who really just need a web browser and email but are most familiar with macOS.
MultiFinder17
macrumors 68030
rampancy
macrumors 6502a
I'll believe that Mac gets released when I see it. What I know for certain is that if it/when it does get released, it'll be seriously compromised (in the eyes of some) in some way in addition to performance (maybe it'll have a plastic case á la the iPhone 5c, or a dimmer/lesser quality display, or have less ports like the original 12" MacBook), and it will be priced higher than other consumer-level Windows laptops. People will complain that it won't have the same range of features/connectivity as a MacBook Air, or the performance of a MacBook Pro.
In all seriousness, M1 MacBook Airs can seemingly be had for $500-600 nowadays, and they're still very capable machines for the majority of the needs of non-power users. If Apple truly wants to release a budget-level "good enough" MacBook, they could just re-release the original M1 MacBook Air with 8 GB RAM/256 GB storage using the case design of the current model.
In all seriousness, M1 MacBook Airs can seemingly be had for $500-600 nowadays, and they're still very capable machines for the majority of the needs of non-power users. If Apple truly wants to release a budget-level "good enough" MacBook, they could just re-release the original M1 MacBook Air with 8 GB RAM/256 GB storage using the case design of the current model.
JPack
macrumors P6
Isn't it clear by now Apple doesn't want to do that?
A18/A19 is cheaper to produce and outperforms M1. It also fixes hardware vulnerabilities because it's newer. Why would Apple stick with M1 MBA for $599 when it's cheaper and the user experience is better with A18/A19?
EugW
macrumors P6
Apple doesn't really even acknowledge the existence of the M1 MacBook Air as a retail product. It's nowhere to be found on the Apple online store.
MacCheetah3
macrumors 68040
I’m not understanding the purpose of releasing such a product. Wouldn’t this be similar (enough) to an iPad + Magic Keyboard Folio?
The next revsiion/generation iPad is likely to feature the A18.
The combined expense, assuming the base config iPad, is $598.
The iPad is definitely capable of word processing, presentations (i.e., Keynote), spreadsheets, Web browsing, Web apps, media consumption, collaboration (e.g., email, other messaging, video chats), and more.
Plus, there are the touchscreen and even more mobile (i.e., cellular connection) options.
Basically, in practicality, the concept is already achievable.
The next revsiion/generation iPad is likely to feature the A18.
The combined expense, assuming the base config iPad, is $598.
The iPad is definitely capable of word processing, presentations (i.e., Keynote), spreadsheets, Web browsing, Web apps, media consumption, collaboration (e.g., email, other messaging, video chats), and more.
Plus, there are the touchscreen and even more mobile (i.e., cellular connection) options.
Basically, in practicality, the concept is already achievable.
EugW
macrumors P6
No. I use an iPad Pro as my main laptop but I will freely admit it is missing many features that a true MacBook has, mainly because of iPadOS, and the software written for it.
If I were using my portable for work, I'd most definitely have a MacBook Air or Pro. However, I don't use my portable for work 99% of the time, which is why in my case the iPad Pro suffices.
P.S. Many of the things you mention do work on the iPad, but sometimes using them in combination does not. For example, I failed miserably trying to give a presentation through Zoom on the iPad. Works fine on my old and slow 2017 12" MacBook.
MacCheetah3
macrumors 68040
Okay. But what is iPadOS missing that wouldn’t allow performing the tasks I mentioned? By the way, the tasks span anything from majority of general users, students, and even business/office personnel (e.g., accountants). And this includes utilizing thumb/flash drives as well as the ability to print (for those who still have that step).
EugW
macrumors P6
I edited my post before you posted yours. See above.
The iPad does many things in theory, but for a lot of them it really is kinda half-assed. iPadOS simply isn't mature yet as a general productivity OS. However, many people don't need it to be a general productivity OS which is why it works for some people.
thejadedmonkey
macrumors G3
If it's pink, I'll get one for my wife to replace her M1, and probably give that to one of my kids or mother-in-law. Otherwise no.
MacCheetah3
macrumors 68040
I’m genuinely curious. Was it a software issue/limitation (e.g., bug or incompatibility) or performance (e.g., stutters)?
EugW
macrumors P6
Software + OS limitation for presenter mode use. And even for regular single-screen presentation mode use, it's buggy.
Once you actually try to use your iPad for stuff you take for granted on macOS, you'll start to realize just how problematic it sometimes can be. YMMV.
BTW, for some reason my iPad Pro can't reliably drive my LG 6K monitor even though Apple says it can. The signal cuts out or else the iPad Pro just doesn't detect the monitor. It consistently works fine on my M4 Mac mini, M4 MacBook Air, and even 2017 12" MacBook (although the 12" MacBook runs it at 4K).
JPack
macrumors P6
Even if the software were perfect, the challenge is physical design.
Try to balance an iPad with a keyboard on a lap or uneven surface. The viewing angles are limited by the case. It's also precarious because the product is top heavy. A notebook puts all the guts in the base of the chassis. This is why an iPad will never replace a MacBook.
EugW
macrumors P6
I don’t find this to be a real world issue for my usage style of MacBook vs iPad+Magic Keyboard.
JPack
macrumors P6
Are you using the Magic Keyboard or Magic Keyboard Folio? The Folio has a kickstand which requires a big flat surface.
EugW
macrumors P6
I have a Magic Keyboard, but I almost never use either my MacBook or my iPad with keyboard on my lap.
And if anything, the iPad is better suited for non-table use because I can just remove the keyboard and use it tablet mode with the on-screen keyboard.
No, I would not as I still have a 2017 MB that I use for writing & email checking for no-luggage travels or biking.
It's not that easy to install Linux on a MacBook, especially on one with a T2 chip.
There are certain internal components missing in MacBooks that are present in ThinkPads, which allows any version Linux to be installed.
Makisupa Policeman
macrumors 6502a
If it weighed the same or less with a similar ff to the 2015-17 rMB, but with apple silicon and MagSafe, priced right I think it could be a real hit.
The old rMB was so effortless to hold and carry around, like an iPad. Honestly a fun little machine to use and couldn’t be beat for travel. It was also massively underpowered, and would get hot with the fanless design. I never had much trouble with the keyboard personally. But the single USB port was quite limiting at times, was probably a complete non starter for many.
The old rMB was so effortless to hold and carry around, like an iPad. Honestly a fun little machine to use and couldn’t be beat for travel. It was also massively underpowered, and would get hot with the fanless design. I never had much trouble with the keyboard personally. But the single USB port was quite limiting at times, was probably a complete non starter for many.
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Technerd108
macrumors 68040
Considering you can get a new MacBook M4 air 13" base model for $749 I don't see a need for a $599 model. They would have to make a lot of compromises that no one would like. Apple doesn't make compromised devices in the sense that they would cut corners to make a budget device. What they have done is rather mass produce at high scale to lower production costs.
I am personally rather amazed you can get the M4 MBA with 16gb ram and 256gb ssd. I paid almost $1400 for my M2 MBA with a 512gb ssd and 16gb ram in 2022. Now in 2025 everything else has gone crazy expensive and yet MacBooks are getting cheaper???
Honestly the base model MBA priced at $1000 is not unreasonable but at $749 seems very affordable for what you get.
I always like cheaper but if I could get the $749 model or a compromised $599 model I would wait and save up another $150 and get the M4MBA.
I am personally rather amazed you can get the M4 MBA with 16gb ram and 256gb ssd. I paid almost $1400 for my M2 MBA with a 512gb ssd and 16gb ram in 2022. Now in 2025 everything else has gone crazy expensive and yet MacBooks are getting cheaper???
Honestly the base model MBA priced at $1000 is not unreasonable but at $749 seems very affordable for what you get.
I always like cheaper but if I could get the $749 model or a compromised $599 model I would wait and save up another $150 and get the M4MBA.
All Apple needs to do is accept lower profits and consider consumers in a better light, rather than releasing products like the iPhone Air at higher prices and ultimately losing out as a result.
There are companies out there that can produce better devices, such as the Huawei MatePad 12X, which comes with a magnetic keyboard and even a Pro Pencil at the same price as the tablet itself. This tablet features a paper-like matte screen that doesn’t cause eye strain. Sometimes, they even offer free earbuds, all for a price cheaper than the 11" iPad Air! The thing is, after using a tablet with a matte screen like that, one would be reluctant to look at a shiny, mirror-like screen.
All Apple needs to consider is cutting down on profit margins. I'm sure Apple can do that, but it's difficult to say no to money when one is so accustomed to having it.