Apple could be preparing one of its boldest moves in years. According to recent reports, the company is planning to launch a new low-cost MacBook priced at around $599, with a possible release date of 4 March 2026.
If the reports are true, this would mark a significant shift in Apple’s pricing strategy for its laptop lineup.
A New Direction for Apple
For years, Apple’s MacBook range has largely catered to the premium market, solely. The base model of the MacBook Air typically starts at $999, placing it in the higher-end segment.
However, industry sources suggest that Apple is now considering a more affordable option. The $599 price tag would make the Apple laptop the most budget-friendly MacBook in the organisation’s history.
This move is being compared to the impact of the iPhone SE, which brought Apple’s iPhone experience to a wider audience at a lower cost.
What are the expected specifications of the MacBook?
Reports indicate that the new MacBook may run on an A-series chip, likely the A18 Pro. These chips are similar to the processors used in entry-level iPads and are known for offering strong performance while maintaining good battery life.
The device is expected to feature a 12.9-inch display, possibly LCD, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage and an aluminium body.
The design may maintain Apple’s premium feel, but there could be compromises in areas such as connectivity options to keep costs down.
Notably, the device is said not to feature a touchscreen option. Maybe the future models may see so.
What is the Strategy Behind This Move?
Apple’s reported plan appears to be part of a broader strategy to make its ecosystem more accessible. By lowering the entry price for a MacBook, the company could attract students, first-time buyers, and customers in emerging markets.
Analysts suggest that Apple aims to boost MacBook shipments back to pre-pandemic levels of around 25 million units annually.
The budget model alone could account for an estimated 5 to 7 million units.
If successful, this approach could strengthen Apple’s presence in the education sector and among price-sensitive consumers who previously considered MacBooks out of reach.
Competitive Impact
A $599 MacBook would directly challenge several Windows-based laptops in the mid-range segment. It may also influence pricing strategies across the broader laptop market.
At the same time, the decision could have implications for Apple’s supply chain, as higher production volumes at a lower price point require careful cost management.
Although Apple has not officially confirmed these reports, the possibility of a $599 MacBook signals a potential change in direction.
If the launch takes place in March 2026 as reported, it could become one of the most closely watched product releases of the year.
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