Apple has long held a premium position in the laptop market, but the company may be getting ready to change that perception. Multiple reports say Apple is working on a smaller, lower cost MacBook that could start at just 599 dollars. If the rumors are right, this would be the cheapest new MacBook the company has ever announced and it could arrive in late 2025 or early 2026.
Chipset, Display Size, and Possible Release Window
What the rumor stack says so far is straightforward. The device is said to use an A series chip normally reserved for iPhones rather than the M series chips used in modern MacBooks. Specifically, sources point to the A18 Pro as the likely brain of the machine. That choice would let Apple keep component costs down while still delivering snappy everyday performance, because these mobile chips are surprisingly capable.
Another detail that keeps popping up is the screen size. Several reports claim Apple is testing a 12.9 inch model, which would slot it between the current iPad Pro size and the entry level MacBook Air. A 12.9 inch MacBook would be small and light, easy to slip into a bag, and likely appeal to students, writers, and people who want a reliable laptop for browsing email streaming video and light content creation.
Timing and production chatter suggest Apple could move quickly. Some industry analysts and supply chain reports say initial production could begin in late 2025 with mass production following soon after. That timing would put a launch window in late 2025 to early 2026 depending on Apple’s internal schedule and component availability. It is worth remembering that Apple has adjusted launch plans before, so these dates are best read as well informed guesses rather than firm commitments.
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Why Apple May Introduce a Budget MacBook
Why would Apple take this path? There are a few likely reasons. First, price matters. A starting price of 599 dollars would put a MacBook firmly within reach of many buyers who today only consider Windows laptops or Chromebooks. Second, an A series powered MacBook lets Apple reuse existing chip development and manufacturing advantages while offering acceptable battery life and thermals for everyday use. Third, the timing could be strategic. With shifts in the laptop market and with many people looking to replace aging Windows machines or low end laptops, a lower entry price could entice users into the Apple ecosystem. Analysts have even suggested this could increase Apple’s Mac shipments by a significant percentage if the product hits the right balance of price and capability.
Of course the trade offs matter. To hit a low price point Apple will likely make choices that keep costs down. Expect the base model to have less unified memory than pricier MacBooks and to ship with smaller storage. Display quality could be good but not top tier. Ports might be minimal and some premium features reserved for higher tier models. These are the kinds of compromises that let manufacturers deliver lower prices without completely sacrificing the feel of the machine. Several reports explicitly warn that Apple could trim things like memory and storage to hit a price that really moves the needle.
What this means for buyers and for competitors is worth thinking about. For people who have avoided MacBooks because of price a 599 dollar option would be a real invitation. Schools and institutions could find a Mac laptop easier to adopt. For Microsoft and PC makers the move could force a rethink of their entry level strategies. A quality laptop at that price from Apple would make the market more competitive and could push Windows makers to sharpen offerings for value conscious buyers. On the other hand longtime Mac users who need pro level performance will likely stick with the existing MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lines. The new model looks aimed at a different audience.
Also read: iPhone 17 Could Arrive Sooner Than Expected: Apple Event 2025 Leak
If you are thinking about waiting for this rumored model there are a few practical points to keep in mind. Rumors do not always pan out and specifications can change during development. The A series chip approach means this MacBook might run macOS with some limitations compared with M series machines, although Apple has been working for years to make its software stack flexible across silicon types. Also regional availability and exact pricing could vary, so a 599 dollar starting price in the United States could translate to a different number in other countries.
In short this rumor is big because it would mark a meaningful expansion of Apple’s approach to pricing and product segmentation. A lower cost MacBook opens the door to more users and could nudge how people think about what a Mac can cost. But as with all early reports proceed with cautious optimism. Keep an eye on supply chain updates and official Apple news in the months ahead.
Faq
Will Apple really release a MacBook for 599 dollars?
Multiple industry reports point to a possible launch at that price point, but nothing is official. Take the number as a strong rumor rather than a confirmed retail price.
What chip will power the rumored budget MacBook?
Reports suggest the A18 Pro, the same series of chip used in recent iPhone Pro models, will be used to balance cost and performance. Using an A series chip would be a shift for MacBooks that today mostly use M series processors.
How will this MacBook differ from a MacBook Air?
Expect a smaller screen, likely 12.9 inches, less memory and storage in base models, and design choices made to reduce cost. It will probably be aimed at users who need a dependable everyday laptop rather than pro level performance.
When could the new MacBook arrive?
Supply chain sources hint at production starting in late 2025 with a potential launch in late 2025 or early 2026. Apple could shift timing based on supply chain realities.
