Apple Aims for a New Audience With Its Cheapest Laptop Yet

A brand new and the cheapest Apple laptop may be released in the spring of next year. At least, that’s what Bloomberg reporter and informant Mark Gurman suggests. He’s generally eyeing the first half of the year, with a lean towards spring.

Analyst Jeff Pu from GF Securities holds the same opinion. According to all available rumors, the new MacBook will be based on the Apple A18 Pro SoC, which will make it accessible. This platform is significantly more powerful than the Apple M1, and laptops on the M1 are still in demand both in the secondary market and where new devices are still being sold.

The newcomer is attributed with a 13.6-inch display, a keyboard without backlighting, and USB-C ports without Thunderbolt support. This will be the trade-off for a price expected to range from $600 to $800.

According to recent reports, the Apple A18 Pro is expected to dramatically enhance processing speeds while maintaining efficient energy consumption, providing an edge not just over the M1, but positioning Apple strongly against competitors. This advancement could help expand Apple’s market share, appealing especially to consumers looking for affordable yet reliable technology.

Moreover, the decision to exclude certain features like Thunderbolt support seems to be a strategic move to keep costs low while still offering top-notch performance in essential areas. With global economic uncertainties, a budget-friendly MacBook is well-timed, potentially opening Apple to customers previously unable to afford their premium products.