Apple's Rumored Budget MacBook

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Apple is preparing to shake up the laptop market with a new, more affordable MacBook that could be priced under $600 and powered by an iPhone-class chip. According to the discussion on this week’s MacBreak Weekly, Apple is finalizing development of a low-cost MacBook aimed at competing with budget Windows laptops and Chromebooks. Here’s what this means for buyers, students, and the broader computer industry.

Why Is Apple Making a Budget MacBook Now?

On MacBreak Weekly, Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell discussed the increased signs that Apple is set to launch a new entry-level MacBook to capture buyers who have so far defaulted to Windows laptops in the sub-$800 category.

According to reporting highlighted by the hosts, Apple is moving forward with production of a MacBook that uses an A-series iPhone chip (potentially the A18), marking the first time an Apple Silicon Mac will use a processor primarily designed for a phone. This approach allows Apple to deliver the core Mac experience with lower production costs, all while benefiting from its efficient proprietary chips.

The timing is strategic: Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 in 2025, which could leave millions of PC owners needing a replacement. By entering this market segment, Apple seeks to attract price-conscious upgraders, schools, and new Mac users who might otherwise buy low-end Windows PCs.

Rumored Features and Pricing: What to Expect

According to the panel, the new budget MacBook is expected to debut in the first half of 2026. While not all technical details are public, the panel shared several key points based on reports from sources like Bloomberg and Ming-Chi Kuo:

• Processor: Instead of the typical Mac-class “M” chips, this model is likely to use a recent iPhone chip (A18 Pro or similar), with performance comparable to the M1 MacBook Air—still capable for everyday tasks.
• Design: The device may reuse or slightly revise the 13-inch MacBook Air chassis, possibly with a lower-quality (but still good) display, and retain the familiar aluminum construction rather than switching to plastic.
• Memory and Storage: Expect 8GB of RAM in the base configuration, with limited upgrade options.
• Price Point: The most likely MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) discussed is $599, with potential educational discounts dropping the price further. This would undercut Apple’s current entry-level MacBook Air, which sells for $899–$999, and even the discounted M1 models at Walmart.
• Market Positioning: This model specifically targets education, budget-conscious consumers, and institutions purchasing laptops in bulk.

Apple’s Competitive Play Against PCs and Chromebooks

Thc panel emphasized that Apple’s move could significantly disrupt the budget laptop segment. Here’s why:

• Windows PCs in this price bracket dominate school and enterprise sales, but typically lack cohesive integration and long-term support. By undercutting or matching these prices, Apple could lure customers with a more robust, cohesive, and secure platform.
• Running macOS on an A-series chip is now practical thanks to Apple’s advancements in chip performance.
• Chromebooks could also lose market share among education customers, who may prefer premium build quality and longer device lifespan.
• The panel noted that even as an entry-level device, this MacBook will likely meet Apple’s standards for a “quality experience,” which could make it attractive compared to budget PCs.

Who Should Buy a Budget MacBook?

According to the the panelists, the new affordable MacBook is ideal for:

• Students needing a reliable, low-cost Mac for basic tasks like web browsing, documents, and video conferencing.
• First-time Mac users who are hesitant to spend $1,000 or more on an Apple laptop.
• Educational institutions looking to purchase laptops in volume for classrooms.
• Buyers replacing aging Windows laptops due to the end of Windows 10 support.

Power users or those needing heavy multitasking, pro-level creative tools, or expanded hardware options may still prefer the higher-end MacBook Air or MacBook Pro models.

What You Need to Know

• Apple is nearing launch of a new, low-cost MacBook potentially priced at $599.
• It will use an iPhone-class “A” chip rather than a Mac-class “M” chip, but everyday performance should still be strong.
• Targeted at education and budget shoppers, the device may appear in spring or early summer 2026.
• Apple aims to take market share from low-end Windows laptops and Chromebooks.
• The device is rumored to feature classic MacBook aluminum construction and the familiar macOS experience.

The Bottom Line

Apple’s anticipated budget MacBook has the potential to expand the Mac ecosystem to a mass market that has historically chosen Windows laptops for price reasons. With efficient Apple Silicon, proven build quality, and a focus on affordability, Apple is making a direct play for students, teachers, and first-time Mac users. This could force PC makers to respond with better value and might reshape what consumers expect from a $600 laptop in 2026.

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