Apple targets a $599 MacBook to shake budget laptop market

Rumors suggest Apple plans a budget MacBook powered by an A-series chip priced around $599.

Apple targets a $599 MacBook to shake budget laptop market

Industry reports point to a sub premium MacBook with a 12.9-inch display and an A18 Pro CPU, aimed at budget-minded buyers. DigiTimes cites a US price between $599 and $699 and says the device would be the first Mac to use an iPhone A-series chip. The model is expected to launch in late 2025 or early 2026 and would mirror the slim, light design of the old 12-inch MacBook. Backers say it could start with 8GB of RAM and rely on USB-C ports with no Thunderbolt, a factor that could limit external display performance.

Ming-Chi Kuo adds that a 13-inch version and color options such as silver, blue, pink and yellow may exist, with the A18 Pro delivering a roughly 40 percent slower speed than the M4 but similar to the M1 era, effectively replacing the older M1 MacBook Air in some markets. The device would start with 8GB RAM and ship with USB-C only, without Thunderbolt, limiting external display support unless DisplayLink adapters are used. If true, Apple would place this model below the current Air lineup, which starts at $999, though sales have brought Air prices down as low as $799 on occasion. Apple typically unveils new Macs in October, so observers should stay tuned.

These rumors show Apple testing a new price point. A cheaper Mac would attract students and budget buyers, but it would also test the balance between value and performance. The reliance on an A-series chip in a Mac could shift expectations for future Pro and Air models, since performance gaps might be visible for heavy tasks.

Because rumors often shift, the real test will be in what Apple discloses later. If the plan holds, the move could reset pricing across the lineup and pressure rivals. The risk is clear: buyers may accept weaker specs in exchange for a lower price, while power users push back. The outcome will hinge on software optimization and how Apple markets this balance of cost and capability.

Highlights

Further details will reveal how far Apple is willing to push value in its laptop lineup.