Apple's budget MacBook could reshape laptop lineup at March 4 event

Rumors suggest Apple is preparing to unveil a budget MacBook at an event on March 4th, potentially marking the most significant overhaul of the company's laptop lineup in a decade. The device is expected to cost around $699 and feature a processor from the iPhone, making it Apple's most affordable laptop ever. However, the impact of this new model could extend well beyond the budget segment.

The introduction of a cheaper model effectively strips the MacBook Air of its status as Apple's most accessible laptop. Currently starting at $999, the Air offers basic chips, a 60Hz display, and brightness up to 500 nits. Against the backdrop of a $699 device, the Air will automatically shift into the mid-range segment, meaning Apple will need to work harder to justify the price difference.

One possible move could be an upgrade to the MacBook Air's display. Currently, it lags noticeably behind the MacBook Pro in brightness, contrast, and refresh rate. If Apple adds ProMotion technology with up to 120Hz refresh rate to the Air, the model would gain a tangible advantage in everyday use and serve as a logical intermediate step between the budget MacBook and the professional series.

At the same time, the fate of the base version of the 14-inch MacBook Pro comes into question. Starting at $1,599, it already appears niche, and after the lineup redistribution, it could become redundant. Amid rumors of Pro models transitioning to OLED displays, the company will likely simplify its assortment to make it more straightforward: a budget MacBook for the mass market, a refreshed Air as a balanced solution, and clearly distinct professional models.

If these changes materialize, Apple could establish a more logical laptop hierarchy where each model has a clear purpose. In this scenario, the cheap MacBook would become not just a new entry point into the ecosystem but a catalyst for a comprehensive lineup refresh.