Apple is reportedly preparing a lower-cost MacBook model aimed at making macOS laptops more accessible, though new information suggests the device may come with several compromises compared to existing MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models.
To achieve a more affordable price point, the upcoming entry-level MacBook is said to feature a less advanced display with lower brightness and no True Tone support, meaning it would not automatically adjust colour temperature based on ambient lighting. Storage options could also be more limited, potentially topping out at 512GB with no higher-capacity configurations available.
Performance may also differ from Apple’s current laptops. Reports indicate the base model could use slower flash storage, resulting in reduced data transfer speeds compared to standard MacBook models. Fast charging support may be absent as well, and the keyboard could lack backlighting — a feature that has become standard across most modern Apple notebooks.
Additional cost-saving measures could include the removal of support for high-impedance headphones and the use of a third-party wireless connectivity chip instead of Apple’s latest in-house solution.
Perhaps the most significant difference is expected to be the processor. Rather than using Apple’s M-series silicon found in current Macs, the new model may run on an A-series chip similar to those used in iPhones. This would position the device as a lightweight computer suited for everyday tasks such as browsing, document editing and media consumption rather than intensive professional workloads.
If accurate, the rumoured device would serve as Apple’s most affordable entry point into the Mac ecosystem, targeting students and casual users who prioritise price and portability over high-end performance and premium features.
While Apple has yet to officially confirm the product, the lower-cost MacBook could represent a significant shift in the company’s laptop strategy, expanding its reach to a broader segment of consumers seeking a simpler and more budget-friendly macOS experience.
