Looks like Apple is preparing to expand its MacBook family with a more budget-friendly option, which could debut as early as late 2025. A new report has surfaced online that reveals that this MacBook could be cheaper than even the current price of the MacBook Air M1.
According to DigiTimes, supply-chain sources suggest that the affordable Apple MacBook may start at anywhere between $599 (approximately Rs 52,500) and $699 (approximately Rs 61,500). That's almost half the price of the current 13-inch MacBook Air M4's base price of $999 (approximately Rs 87,500).
The publication also states that the upcoming cheap Apple MacBook will feature a 12.9-inch display. This is not the first time we're hearing of such a MacBook being in the works. A previous report also suggested that Apple could be working on a MacBook that's powered by the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chipset.
As per the latest report, component production of the affordable Apple MacBook is expected to ramp up by the end of the third quarter of 2025. This could potentially pave the way for full-scale assembly to take place sooner than expected, bringing the product to market by year-end or early 2026.
As per industry analysts, annual shipments of the new MacBook could be around 5-7 million units. This could lift the overall MacBook sales by 30 to 40% from the current yearly volume of about 17 million.
If the new report proves to be accurate, Apple's expansion into a budget-oriented sector could make the Mac platform more accessible to broader segments, challenging other laptops in cost-sensitive markets like India.
