Apple's rumored new MacBook sounds like a nightmare for budget Windows laptops — here's why

MacBook Air 2022 unveiled at Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2022 — (Image credit: David Paul Morris/Getty)

Apple's expected to debut a bunch of new MacBook models at next week's Apple Event, including the long-rumored cheap MacBook aimed at students and more general users. There's never been quite anything like it before in Apple's line-up. While MacBooks are some of the best laptops you can buy, even the lower-end models start at around $800. Apple's never marketed its machines as affordable, but that could change next week in a move that seems squarely targeted at converting budget-friendly Windows and Chromebook users to the Apple ecosystem.

The biggest selling point is the price tag, with Apple's more affordable laptop expected to start at either $599 or $699 for the 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD variant, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. This new wallet-friendly Mac would sport a lower-end LCD display that's even smaller than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air, making it perfect for students on the go. One major drawback, if the rumor mill is to be believed, is it will run on an iPhone chip (the A18 Pro designed for the iPhone 16 Pro models) rather than the usual M-series chip to cut down on costs.

Tim Cook standing next to MacBook Air M2 — (Image credit: Getty Images)

The more affordable MacBook could fill an important sales gap in Apple's line-up. Since 2019, Apple has offered two MacBook options: the MacBook Pro line, geared toward creative professionals, and the MacBook Air built around portability. Neither could be considered entry-level machines.

None of these come cheap, which limits their appeal to your everyday consumer. We've seen the MacBook Air fall as low as $799 or $699 for a refurbished model, but the best MacBook deals are few and far between. By comparison, we rarely see the best Chromebooks top $700. You can snag our top pick, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, starting $649, which offers a great OLED display and quality design.

A low-cost MacBook would offer a more accessible entry point to usher in a new wave of Apple users, many of them first-time buyers and students who'd otherwise consider buying a more affordable machine from Google or Windows.

We'll have to wait and see to learn more. The company's expected to show off its new MacBook models alongside the iPhone 17e, new iPads, and possibly some new Mac displays at its Apple event on March 4.

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Alyse Stanley is a news editor at Tom’s Guide, overseeing weekend coverage and writing about the latest in tech, gaming, and entertainment. Before Tom’s Guide, Alyse worked as an editor for the Washington Post’s sunsetted video game section, Launcher. She previously led Gizmodo’s weekend news desk and has written game reviews and features for outlets like Polygon, Unwinnable, and Rock, Paper, Shotgun. She’s a big fan of horror movies, cartoons, and roller skating. She's also a puzzle fan and can often be found contributing to the NYT Connections coverage on Tom's Guide

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