Apple set to enter affordable laptop segment with new MacBook

According to reports, Apple may unveil a more affordable MacBook next month, featuring an iPhone-grade chip, compact design, and fresh colour options, signalling a strategic push to attract students and first-time buyers globally.

Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the affordable laptop segment, with a new MacBook expected to debut at a possible March launch event. The development was highlighted in the Power On newsletter by Mark Gurman, who suggested that the company could introduce a lower-priced MacBook alongside other product announcements.

If priced below the $1,000 mark (roughly Rs 90,700), the upcoming device would undercut the current MacBook Air lineup, making it the most accessible Mac in Apple’s portfolio. Such pricing would mark a notable shift for a brand long associated with premium positioning in the laptop category.

iPhone chip could power the new MacBook

To manage costs, the report indicates that Apple may equip the new laptop with the A18 Pro processor — the same chip expected to power its latest Pro-series iPhones. If confirmed, this would be the first time Apple uses an iPhone-grade chip in a MacBook instead of its proprietary M-series silicon.

While the A18 Pro is designed for high efficiency and performance in smartphones, it may not match the sustained computing power of M-series processors used in higher-end MacBook models, particularly during intensive workloads. This suggests the device could be positioned for everyday productivity tasks rather than professional-grade computing.

The new MacBook is also tipped to feature a display measuring under 13 inches, making it slightly more compact than existing MacBook Air models. Despite the lower cost, Apple is expected to retain its signature aluminium chassis, reportedly aided by a revised manufacturing process aimed at reducing production expenses without compromising build quality.

Brighter colours and simplified features

In a departure from its typically muted tones, Apple is said to be experimenting with brighter colour variants, including light yellow, green, blue, and pink, alongside classic silver and dark grey options.

The device is expected to offer 8GB of RAM and strong battery life but may skip advanced connectivity features such as Thunderbolt support. Instead, USB Type-C ports are likely to handle charging and data transfer. Advanced on-device AI capabilities may also be limited, with greater reliance on cloud-based services.

Separately, Apple is also believed to be working on a new affordable iPhone, continuing its broader strategy to expand its footprint in cost-conscious market segments.