Apple plans a 12.9-inch MacBook starting at $599 with the A18 Pro chip, targeting students and budget users. Launch expected late 2025 or early 2026.
© E. Vartanyan
According to DigiTimes, Apple is preparing to launch a more affordable MacBook, priced from $599, featuring a 12.9-inch display—slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch screen found on the MacBook Air. Reports suggest it will run on the A18 Pro chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, and will target students as well as users looking for an inexpensive, highly portable device.
Production plans are already taking shape. Mass manufacturing of certain components is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025, with final assembly at Quanta facilities scheduled for the fourth quarter. This timeline points to a potential launch either late in 2025 or in the early months of 2026.
A starting price between $599 and $699 would not only address longstanding criticism of Apple’s high Mac prices but also help the company boost shipment volumes. Currently, there are no direct competitors offering similar specifications in this price range, a gap that could prompt other brands to explore comparable models.
Right now, the only Apple device in a similar budget bracket is the M4-powered Mac mini. However, without a built-in display or the benefits of portability, it lacks the versatility the upcoming MacBook is expected to deliver.