Apple's 12-inch MacBook was a favorite to many, but it lacked the performance of high-end MacBooks. However, since Apple debuted its custom M-series of chips, rumors of a low-cost MacBook have surfaced again. Apple's M-series chips have solved the only thing wrong with the 12-inch MacBook. A prominent analyst now claims that Apple is considering a low-cost MacBook launch next year, which could be the successor of the 12-inch MacBook that Apple debuted in 2012.
Apple is working on a low-cost MacBook to tackle the lower-than-expected shipments of Macs
Currently, Apple does now have a notebook that competes against Chromebooks. All major manufacturers, including Samsung and Google, have notebooks cheaper than the cheapest MacBook. Henceforth, Apple has an empty slot to fill to cater to users opting for a low-cost laptop. Apple's low-cost MacBook has been reported several times in the past, especially concerning Apple's custom silicon.
Prominent analyst Ming-Chi Kuo states that Apple plans to launch a new low-cost MacBook next year, directly competing against Chromebooks. Last month, a report from DigiTimes noted that Apple's budget MacBook lineup will be introduced by the end of 2024. The affordable MacBook will cut down some of the top features of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models.
As far as I know, Apple attributes the significant decline in MacBook shipments in 2023 mainly to the limited M2 computing power upgrade. I believe this is why Apple may prefer to launch the M3 series MacBook Pro even when its production volume is still low rather than continue…
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) October 24, 2023
Apple would have to make certain compromises to justify the lower price tag. For instance, the machine could use older M series chips, which can be rebranded according to the lineup. Furthermore, the company could use cheaper materials to keep costs at bay. The low-cost MacBook could feature a toned-down version of macOS or a hybrid of iPadOS and macOS that can run apps from the App Store. The approach would be similar to how Google allows Chromebooks to download and run apps from the Play Store.
Apple's decision to introduce a low-cost MacBook could improve demand and shipments of Macs. The company's Mac shipments have been lower than expected for some time, possibly due to the ongoing global inflation and lack of innovation. Users have lost their purchasing power, which would make the low-cost MacBook a viable choice. Furthermore, the dwindling Mac shipments could also be due to the limited performance gains of the M2 chip against the M1. Kuo speculates that the company will also upgrade its MacBook Pro models to compensate for it.
Apple sent out its 'Scary Fast' event invites yesterday, which will take place on Monday, October 30. The company is expected to announce new M3 MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and an all-new iMac with a redesigned stand. Potentially, the company could surprise us with a low-cost MacBook as well.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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