Apple’s Rumored $599 MacBook Could Launch in Late 2025

Apple is reportedly developing a new entry-level MacBook priced as low as $599, with a possible debut before the end of next year. The move would mark the company’s first major push into the budget laptop segment in over a decade.

What We Know So Far

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo first hinted at Apple’s work on a more affordable MacBook, describing it as a 13-inch-class device aimed squarely at competing with Chromebooks and revitalizing Mac sales. While Kuo did not speculate on cost, DigiTimes now suggests a price range between $599 and $699, cheaper than the base iPhone 16.

For comparison, Apple’s least expensive 13-inch MacBook Air currently starts at $999 in the U.S., or $899 with the education discount. A price cut of that scale would be a clear shift in Apple’s laptop strategy.

Powered by the A18 Pro Chip

If DigiTimes’ pricing claim is accurate, the new MacBook is unlikely to carry Apple’s M-series processors. Instead, reports point to the A18 Pro as having the same chip inside the iPhone 16 Pro, making its first appearance in a Mac.

This would lower costs but also mean trade-offs. Compared to the M-series, the A18 Pro offers fewer CPU and GPU cores, supports less memory, and lacks Thunderbolt connectivity. Buyers should expect standard USB-C ports instead of the high-speed connections found on other Macs.

Design and Display

Rumors indicate the laptop will feature a 12.9-inch display, slightly smaller than the MacBook Air’s 13.6-inch screen. Kuo also predicts an ultra-thin, lightweight chassis, with finishes in Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow — reportedly echoing the color palette of the upcoming iPhone 17 Air.

Production and Release Timeline

DigiTimes reports that most components are expected to hit mass production in the third quarter of 2025, with final assembly taking place at Quanta’s facilities in the fourth quarter. This schedule could put the launch in late 2025 or early 2026, aligning with Kuo’s earlier forecasts.

Market Impact

At the rumored price, shipments could hit 5 to 7 million units annually, which would push Apple’s total MacBook sales up by as much as 40% from the current 17 to 18 million. A more aggressive entry-level offering could also lure budget-conscious buyers away from Chromebooks, especially in education markets.

The Big Question

A MacBook under $600 would be Apple’s most affordable laptop in years, lowering the barrier for students, first-time buyers, and those switching from Windows or ChromeOS. The lack of Thunderbolt might be a dealbreaker for professional workflows, but for basic computing, the trade-off could be acceptable.

Would Apple’s cheapest MacBook in years tempt you, or would the compromises be too steep? Drop your thoughts in the comments.