Apple is reportedly preparing a more affordable MacBook aimed at students, first‑time buyers and budget‑conscious users, a move that could expand its reach in price‑sensitive markets such as India by combining proven mobile silicon with a compact, cost‑focused hardware design.
Smaller screen, familiar design
Industry sources say the new MacBook will feature a 12.9‑inch display, making it noticeably more compact than the current entry‑level MacBook Air. The device is expected to retain Apple’s minimalist aesthetics and lightweight chassis while using design and materials choices that reduce manufacturing costs without eroding the core MacBook experience.
iPhone‑class processor
Reports indicate the laptop will be powered by the A18 Pro chip — the same system‑on‑chip slated for the iPhone 16 Pro series. The A18 Pro reportedly integrates a hexa‑core CPU, a capable GPU and a 16‑core Neural Engine, offering sufficient performance for everyday productivity, multimedia tasks and light creative work while consuming less power than many traditional PC processors.
Typical configurations are expected to include 8GB of RAM as standard, a specification aimed at ensuring smooth multitasking for students and office users without pushing the price up.
Practical hardware choices to contain cost
To keep the price competitive, Apple is said to be simplifying the port and connectivity options. The new model may rely on standard USB‑C ports rather than Thunderbolt, a trade‑off that reduces component costs and still covers the needs of most mainstream buyers. Early reports also highlight efficient battery performance driven by Apple’s in‑house silicon, though precise battery life figures have not been disclosed.
Price expectations and implications for India
Estimates place the launch price between $699 and $799, with some analyses suggesting a possible $599 entry point in certain configurations. Converted and adjusted for local taxes and import duties, such pricing would make a MacBook substantially more accessible to Indian students, freelancers and professionals than previous Apple laptop tiers.
If positioned effectively, the device could compete with mid‑range Windows laptops and higher‑end Chromebooks, offering Indian consumers an accessible path into the macOS ecosystem.
Timeline and product roadmap
Production is reported to start in late 2025, with a commercial launch targeted for early 2026—potentially timed to coincide with Apple’s spring product events that often spotlight mainstream hardware. Apple is also believed to be preparing multiple product launches around this timeframe as part of a broader strategy to diversify its lineup.
Strategic significance
Adopting iPhone‑class silicon and trimming certain professional features would represent a deliberate shift for Apple, balancing performance, price and brand appeal to attract new users. For markets like India, where price sensitivity and growing demand for capable, portable laptops intersect, the low‑cost MacBook could reshape expectations about affordability within the premium segment.
