Apple’s Bold Move: New Budget MacBook to Challenge Windows Laptops

Apple is preparing to expand its range of computers with a very cheap MacBook priced at $700-800. The new model aims to compete with Windows laptops in the same price category. Taiwan Mirror Daily provides details about the future device’s characteristics.

The hardware platform for the budget MacBook will be based on the Apple A18 Pro SoC, similar to that in the iPhone 16 Pro. This will be the first instance of Apple transferring a smartphone SoC to a full-fledged computer. The new product will feature a 12.9-inch display and will be available in a wide color palette, including pink and bright yellow shades.

The device will be aimed at performing everyday tasks (working with office applications, web surfing, and basic video editing), while providing record-breaking autonomy, unattainable on Wintel devices. Apple made the decision to release an ultra-budget model amid last year’s successes: MacBook shipments grew by 25% to reach 22 million units.

The main goal of Apple is to lure users who now buy Windows laptops for $600–700. Such devices are usually made of cheap plastic and operate on battery for no more than 7 hours. In contrast, Apple plans to offer high-quality build and all-day battery life for a comparable price. According to Taiwan Mirror Daily, laptop sales could reach 5-8 million units a year. The device’s production will be split between two Taiwanese contract manufacturers – Quanta Computer and Foxconn.