Apple may be closer than ever to unveiling its most affordable MacBook, and the device could mark one of the company’s boldest moves in years. According to respected supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, production of this new laptop might begin as early as the fourth quarter, paving the way for a launch either late this year or in early 2026. 
The biggest headline? A rumored price tag of just $599, which would make it the cheapest new MacBook Apple has sold in modern times.
The affordable MacBook project has been whispered about since June, and the details are gradually forming a picture of a lightweight but capable notebook. Reports suggest Apple will equip the device with a 13-inch display and an A-series processor borrowed from the iPhone lineup. Initially, rumors pointed to the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro, a processor that already matches the performance of Apple’s older M1 chip. That alone would make it more than capable for everyday tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and even light creative work. The addition of vibrant color options like pink, blue, and yellow – alongside the traditional silver – suggests Apple wants this machine to stand out visually as much as financially.
The real question lies in the configuration. While earlier reports linked the device to the A18 Pro with 8GB RAM, Apple has recently shifted its Mac strategy, setting 16GB as the standard entry point across its laptops. If the company wants to maintain that standard, it may have to adopt the newer A19 Pro chip, which comes with 12GB of RAM, pushing the device closer to modern MacBook norms. The balance between affordability and performance is delicate: too much compromise, and buyers may see it as underpowered; too ambitious, and the $599 dream may vanish.
Context matters here. Apple already has an odd exception in its lineup: Walmart sells the aging M1 MacBook Air with 8GB RAM for $599. That machine remains surprisingly popular, proving there’s strong demand for an entry-level Mac at that price point. The new MacBook could be Apple’s chance to standardize that value offering, with updated design, fresh silicon, and broader distribution. If successful, it could effectively replace the role of the iPad for many students and casual users who want a keyboard-first computer without breaking the bank.
Critics argue that the processor choice may not matter much in the first generation. Even with 8GB of RAM, an A18 Pro MacBook could be a smash hit simply because of the price and Apple’s ecosystem advantages – tight integration with iCloud, seamless handoff with iPhones, and macOS optimizations. For most students, writers, and remote workers, the performance would be more than adequate. The real opportunity lies in creating a product that appeals to a demographic Apple has often neglected: budget-conscious buyers who still want the reliability and prestige of a Mac.
Looking ahead, Apple could easily build momentum by releasing a second-generation model the following year with the A19 Pro chip and higher RAM, turning the initial affordable MacBook into a stepping stone product. That strategy mirrors Apple’s broader playbook: launch with a functional baseline, then upsell users to a sleeker and stronger model in the next cycle.
Whether Apple opts for A18 Pro or A19 Pro in the first generation, the critical factor is clear: keep the price anchored at $599. At that threshold, the new MacBook would likely become a campus favorite and a household staple, opening the Mac ecosystem to millions who previously settled for cheaper Windows laptops. For Apple, it’s less about chasing profit margins and more about expanding reach – an investment in future loyalty that could pay off for years to come.
2 comments
whenever apple says soon i hear like 2 years later lol
if they actually keep it 599 its gonna sell like crazy, no matter what chip tbh