For months, we have heard whispers that Apple is working on a cheaper MacBook to compete with Chromebooks and low-cost Windows PCs. However, a new report from MacRumors suggests that reaching a lower price point means Apple had to cut several corners.
According to the report, the budget MacBook model will have some reduced specs and compromises compared to the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. These limitations cover everything from the screen quality to how fast the laptop can charge.
The biggest change is what’s inside. Unlike the MacBook Air or Pro, which use M-series chips, this budget model will likely use the A18 Pro chip, found in the iPhone 16 Pro. While this chip is very fast for a phone, it lacks some of the advanced features found in computer chips. For example, it does not support Thunderbolt. This means the USB-C ports on this laptop will be slower, and you will likely only be able to plug in one external monitor.
The display is another area where users will notice a difference. The rumor suggests the new MacBook will have a 12.9-inch screen, and may lack True Tone technology. True Tone is the feature that changes the color of your screen to match the lighting in your room. Without it, the screen might look a bit harsh in certain environments. The screen brightness is also expected to stay below 500 nits, which is the standard for the MacBook Air.
If you need a lot of space for photos or videos, you might be out of luck. The leak claims Apple will only offer 256GB and 512GB options. There may even be a 128GB version specifically for schools. Unlike other Macs, there will be no option to upgrade to 1TB or 2TB of storage.
Perhaps the most surprising rumor is that the keyboard might not have a backlight. If this is true, typing in a dark room or a dim classroom will be much more difficult. Additionally, the laptop might not support fast charging. You will have to wait longer for the battery to fill up compared to the more expensive models.
Despite these eight limitations, this laptop could be a massive hit if the price is right. Rumors suggest it could start between $599 and $799 USD. In Canada, we would likely see pricing start around $849 or $899 CAD.
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It’s a low-cost model. Nothing surprising here. Compromises are expected to not cannibalize higher-end models. It will be a huge hit.
I am in Japan so how can I buy this MacBook.