Affordable MacBook: All the info on the March launch

Rumors about a new, more affordable MacBook model have been circulating for some time. Now, new information has emerged: Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reports that Apple plans to unveil the device at an event in March. It is expected to feature not only an unusual chip, but also a new manufacturing process for the casing and several striking color options.

Lately, many Mac rumors have revolved around the next wave of professional models, namely the upcoming M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pros and the redesigned OLED MacBook Pros. In comparison, a budget MacBook seems almost like a side project, but it's a rather interesting product: It apparently aims to gain market share with a lower entry price and attract people to the Apple ecosystem who have previously perceived Macs as too expensive.

What Gurman says should happen in March

According to Gurman, the new MacBook will be unveiled in March at an Apple event. This is the crux of the report: not just "sometime", but with a fairly specific timeframe and the indication that Apple apparently intends to position the device as a separate announcement.

Unusual for a MacBook: A18 Pro instead of Mac-optimized Apple Silicon

The most exciting technical point is the chip: Apple is not supposed to take the Apple Silicon route optimized for Macs, but is allegedly going to use an A18 Pro, i.e. the chip from the iPhone 16 series.

In terms of performance, it's below what's in the MacBook Air, but according to the report, that doesn't automatically make it weak. The A18 Pro was reportedly the first iPhone chipset that could compete with the original M1 chip, which was introduced in Macs at the time. In other words: less than MacBook Air level, but apparently at a level that doesn't have to look "cheap" in everyday use.

Display size: just under 13 inches

According to Gurman, the hardware includes a display of just under 13 inches. Previous reports had mentioned a 12.9-inch display. The new report therefore remains in the same ballpark, only slightly more vague ("just under 13" instead of exactly 12.9).

No plastic, instead a new aluminum process

The new MacBook will not be made of plastic, although that would have been a possible way to reduce costs.

Instead, Apple is said to have developed a new process for manufacturing aluminum casings. This process is reportedly faster and less expensive than the one Apple uses in the current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models. This is Apple's approach: reduce costs, but apparently not switch to "plastic" as the material.

Cool colors: These are the options Apple is reportedly testing

Apple is reportedly testing some unique color options for this MacBook. Gurman doesn't name any final versions, but he reports which colors were tested:

Light yellow
Light green
Blue
Pink
classic silver
Dark Grey

Which of these will actually be implemented in the end remains to be seen, but the list clearly shows that it's not just about the usual standards.

Classification and price: Entry into the Apple ecosystem for under $700?

Ultimately, this MacBook could be particularly interesting for people who like the Apple ecosystem but have previously found Macs too expensive for their needs.

According to previous reports, a rough price estimate was given: around $699. That would be significantly below the regular starting price of the MacBook Air, which is $999 or €1,099.

New MacBook planned: Affordable entry-level model with A18 Pro

The new entry-level MacBook: Compact, colorful, and significantly cheaper

The picture painted by the report is quite clear: Apple is apparently working on an affordable MacBook, to be unveiled in March, featuring an A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 series, a display just under 13 inches, an aluminum casing (despite cost-cutting measures) thanks to a new, faster and cheaper manufacturing process, and tested colors ranging from light yellow to pink, plus silver and dark gray.

If the targeted price of around $699 is accurate, that would be a significantly lower entry point than the MacBook Air, even compared to current retail prices. Overall, the new MacBook seems like an attempt to attract more people to the MacBook lineup with a more appealing price and more eye-catching options, without completely abandoning the core feel of an aluminum MacBook. (Image: Shutterstock / Tada Images)