Unexpected MacBook around the corner! Apple is secretly developing a laptop that will be cheaper than an iPhone

Apple is preparing to stir up the stagnant waters of the notebook market. According to the latest reports from Asia, it is preparing a MacBook with a starting price of just $599, which has been speculated about for a few months now. If this price is confirmed, this MacBook would cost 16-20 thousand Czech crowns here and would likely sell like hotcakes. At least judging by the reactions on Reddit, where one user aptly remarked: “That’s a dangerously good price for my wallet.”

Smaller display and chipset from phones

The new affordable MacBook is expected to get a 12.9-inch display, which is slightly less than the 13.6″ of the current MacBook Air. This brings it back to the dimensions Apple used for its 12″ MacBook from 2015-2017. For some, it’s a nostalgic memory of an ultra-portable notebook for a handbag, for others, an unnecessarily small display for productive work.

However, the biggest controversy is the choice of processor. Instead of traditional M-series chips, Apple will use the A18 Pro chip, which powers the iPhone 16 Pro (Max).

The discussion on Reddit quickly escalated to the inevitable topic – how much RAM and storage Apple will cram into the base configuration. “8 GB RAM and 128 GB of storage are coming. You just know it,” predicts one commenter with bitter irony. Another optimistically counters that Apple Intelligence support requires at least 16 GB of RAM, so hopefully Apple won’t skimp this time.

An interesting observation was made by a user who pointed out the cannibalization of Apple’s own products: “It will cannibalize Air sales in any case, because the entire low-end segment that wanted a Mac now has an even cheaper option.” Apple might be shooting itself in the foot with this, but as another commenter adds – Apple at its best likes to cannibalize its own products as a safeguard against competition.

Chromebooks at risk, schools tempted

With a price under $700, Apple is clearly targeting a segment previously dominated by Chromebooks and inexpensive Windows notebooks. One Reddit user summarized it simply: “If Apple releases this for $599, there will be no war lol.”

It is speculated that Apple is primarily targeting schools and students. However, as one skeptic notes: “It will never beat the price of Dell’s school Chromebooks at $158. Apple will never go there.” And they are right – for bulk purchases for schools, even $599 will be too much. It’s more about an entry point into the ecosystem – you start with an affordable MacBook in high school, continue with an Air in college, and end up with a Pro in your first job.

Czech paradox: When M2 costs the same

For Czech customers, an interesting dilemma will arise. The MacBook Air M2 can be purchased for under 21 thousand Czech crowns in promotions and offers higher performance, better build quality, and full-fledged Thunderbolt ports. But beware – while the M2 chip is more powerful than the A18 Pro in multicore tasks, the A18 Pro is actually faster in single-core performance. For everyday work, where most applications don’t utilize all cores anyway, the cheaper model might paradoxically be snappier.

Moreover, the new model will come in colors like blue, pink, and yellow – which the MacBook Air does not offer. What’s more, it will have the latest hardware, potentially meaning longer software support. Imagine buying a notebook for 16 thousand that will still receive updates in 2032.

Good things come to those who wait for a MacBook

According to supply chain sources, production of some components is expected to begin as early as Q3 2025. This means that the affordable MacBook could be a reality by Christmas 2025 or early 2026. Analysts predict sales of 5-7 million units annually, which would increase overall MacBook sales by a third.

If you’re asking whether it makes sense to wait – it depends. Do you need a notebook right away? Buy an M2 Air on sale. Can you wait and want the cheapest entry into the world of macOS? Then set a reminder in your calendar for autumn 2025, or early 2026.

Would you buy such an affordable MacBook?

Source: MacRumors, own