Apple’s $599 MacBook Could Rewrite the Laptop Rulebook
A compact 12.9-inch MacBook could bring Apple’s premium design to the sub-$600 market—and challenge Chromebooks and Windows laptops head-on.
Apple may be on the verge of releasing its most affordable laptop in over a decade—a 12.9-inch MacBook with a rumored starting price of just $599. For a company known for keeping its entry-level MacBook Air at $999, this marks a dramatic shift in strategy that could reshape the market.
iPhone Power in a Mac Shell
Unlike the current MacBook Air and Pro lines, which use Apple’s in-house M-series chips, this new model is said to be powered by the A18 Pro processor—set to debut in the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro. This change could significantly lower costs while offering excellent energy efficiency. Users can expect cool, quiet operation and strong battery life, though there will be some limitations. Most notably, the A18 Pro lacks Thunderbolt support, so the machine will likely feature standard USB-C ports instead. For most casual users, that’s a trade-off worth making.
Compact, Lightweight, and Portable
With a 12.9-inch display, this MacBook would be Apple’s smallest laptop since the discontinued 12-inch MacBook. That form factor is highly portable, appealing to students, frequent travelers, and anyone who values mobility over maximum performance. The smaller screen could also mean a lower overall weight, making it an easy companion for on-the-go work or study.
Expected Timeline
Reports suggest that parts production could start in Q3 2025, with assembly beginning later in the year. If all goes to plan, Apple could launch the new MacBook by late 2025, or possibly in the first quarter of 2026. This timeline positions the device well for the holiday shopping season or the following back-to-school cycle.
Why This Matters
A $599 MacBook would put Apple in direct competition with budget-friendly Windows laptops and Chromebooks—devices that have dominated the sub-$700 market for years. Analysts estimate such a product could boost MacBook shipments by 30–40% annually, adding up to 7 million more units per year.
Importantly, this move wouldn’t just target students. A low-cost Mac could tempt budget-conscious families, small businesses, and even long-time Windows users who’ve been hesitant to pay Apple’s premium prices. The combination of macOS reliability, premium hardware, and aggressive pricing could prove irresistible.
Final Thoughts
If Apple delivers on this rumored 12.9-inch MacBook—balancing portability, build quality, and a price point previously unthinkable for the brand—it could create a new entry point into the Mac ecosystem. Whether it becomes a bestseller will depend on how well Apple executes the experience, but one thing’s clear: the days of $999 as the cheapest ticket into the Mac world might soon be over.
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