New 12.9-inch MacBook expected to be available from $599

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Apple is apparently planning a new, more affordable MacBook, which could launch as early as late 2025 or early 2026. The price is expected to be just $599 to $699, placing the model significantly below current entry-level prices. The goal is to compete directly with Chromebooks and boost MacBook sales overall.

Until now, the MacBook was considered a premium device with a correspondingly high price tag. Even the cheapest current model, the 13-inch MacBook Air, starts at $999 in the US (€1,199 in Germany). With a price several hundred dollars lower, Apple aims to reach a new buyer group. This could allow educational institutions and price-conscious consumers, in particular, to enter the MacBook market for the first time.

Price and positioning

The $599 to $699 price range would not only position the new model clearly below the MacBook Air, but also closer to typical Chromebook prices. Analysts see this move as a strategic move to gain a stronger foothold in the education sector and offer an attractive option even in the lower price segment.

Technical Equipment

The new 12.9-inch MacBook is expected to feature the A18 Pro chip, which was introduced in the iPhone 16 Pro. This would make it the first Mac based on an iPhone processor. Unlike the M-series, which has been used in all Apple Silicon Macs to date, the A18 Pro has fewer cores, smaller storage capacity, and no Thunderbolt support. Instead, the new model is expected to feature standard USB-C ports. The chip's performance is sufficient for everyday tasks, streaming, office applications, and simple productivity workflows.

Design and Display

The device will feature a 12.9-inch display, making it slightly more compact than the current 13.6-inch MacBook Air. The chassis will be ultra-thin and lightweight, with color options in silver, blue, pink, and yellow. This will visually differentiate the model from the classic MacBook colors and make it more appealing to a younger, color-conscious target audience.

Production and schedule

According to reports, serial production of individual components could begin by the end of the third quarter of 2025. Final assembly is expected to take place in the fourth quarter at Quanta's facilities. This makes a market launch possible by the end of 2025, but no later than early 2026. This schedule is consistent with the predictions of well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Sales boost for the entire MacBook range

According to estimates, the new, affordable MacBook could sell between five and seven million units annually. This would increase MacBook shipments from the current 17 million units by up to 40 percent. The model could thus become an important component of Apple's growth strategy.

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Affordable MacBook as a door opener for the mass market

A MacBook with a 12.9-inch display, a colorful design, and a starting price of $599 would be a clear step toward the mass market. The combination of compact size, iPhone-like processor, and aggressive pricing could make it an attractive alternative for anyone who has previously been put off by the high entry price. This could significantly change the MacBook lineup by the end of 2025 or early 2026. (Image: Shutterstock / Africa Studio)