Highlights
- Apple is expected to unveil a budget-friendly MacBook at its March event.
- The laptop will feature the iPhone 16’s A18 Pro chip, around a 12.9-inch display and a new cost-efficient aluminium manufacturing process instead of plastic.
- Apple is experimenting with vibrant colour finishes including yellow, green, blue, pink, silver and dark grey.
Apple’s Affordable A18 Pro MacBook will reportedly launch in March Event. (Image credit – Apple)
Apple is reportedly preparing to unveil its much-anticipated budget-friendly MacBook next month. According to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the tech giant could introduce the new device at an “event” in March. The upcoming model is also expected to arrive in a range of eye-catching colour options, giving buyers something fresh beyond the usual finishes.
Apple’s Affordable A18 Pro MacBook
Instead of featuring Mac-optimised Apple Silicon, the new affordable MacBook model is said to run on the A18 Pro processor. It is the same chip used in the iPhone 16 lineup. Although this may not match the performance levels of a MacBook Air, it’s far from underpowered.
In fact, the A18 Pro was the first iPhone chipset to reach performance levels competitive with Apple’s original M1 chip, which marked a major shift in Mac performance when it debuted.
On the hardware front, Gurman reports that the laptop will sport a display measuring slightly under 13 inches. Earlier leaks have pointed to a 12.9-inch screen. Notably, despite expectations that Apple might switch to plastic to reduce costs, the new MacBook will not use a plastic chassis.
Instead, Apple has reportedly developed a new aluminium shell manufacturing process. This updated approach is said to be quicker and more cost-effective than the production methods currently used for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, helping the company keep costs down without sacrificing build quality.
Apple is working on distinctive colour finishes for the new MacBook. (Image credit – 9to5Mac)
Colour could be another big differentiator. Gurman notes that Apple has been experimenting with several distinctive colour finishes for the new MacBook. While the final lineup hasn’t been confirmed, tested shades reportedly include light yellow, light green, blue, pink, classic silver, and dark grey.
For users invested in the Apple ecosystem but deterred by the high price of Macs, this new device could offer a compelling alternative. Previous reports suggest that the laptop may launch at around $699.
For quite some time, Apple has been rumoured to be developing a more affordable MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip, aiming to expand its market share with a lower-priced offering. While much of the recent Mac buzz has centred around the next-generation M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models, along with redesigned OLED MacBook Pros, this entry-level MacBook could turn out to be one of the company’s most interesting launches in years.
FAQs
Q1. When is Apple expected to launch the new affordable MacBook?
Answer. Reports suggest Apple will unveil the budget-friendly MacBook at a March event, making it one of the company’s most anticipated launches.
Q2. What processor will power this new MacBook?
Answer. The device will run on the A18 Pro chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 16 lineup, offering performance levels comparable to Apple’s original M1 chip.
Q3. What design and colour options are expected for the new model?
Answer. The MacBook will feature a 12.9-inch display, a new cost-efficient aluminium chassis, and could arrive in vibrant finishes such as light yellow, light green, blue, pink, silver, and dark grey.