Budget-friendly Chromebooks and Windows PCs could have an Apple competitor early next year. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman is reporting that the Cupertino company is developing a less expensive Mac aimed at more casual users, students and businesses.
According to Gurman, the new laptop will be meant for browsing the web, document work, and some light media editing.
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Price comparison
(Image credit: Future)
According to Gurman, Apple’s premium device marketshare is under threat from cheap Google Chromebooks and lower-cost Windows PCs. Despite an aversion to lower-end laptops, the rumor mill has been churning about a wallet-friendly laptop.
Earlier this year, it was rumored that Apple’s version of a budget laptop would cost $599 and was tipped to launch this year. In July, it was leaked that the budget Mac could feature an A18 Pro chipset, the same chip in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max.
Here’s how that rumored price compares to what Apple currently offers with its other entry-level devices like the M4 MacBook Air and the iPad 11 at their base configurations.
We’ve included a comparison with the iPad 11 with accessories as well, since that will help you get the most out of the tablet and make it more of a laptop replacement.
Swipe to scroll horizontallyRumored Budget Mac vs Entry-level Apple devices
Device
Price
Configuration
Rumored budget MacBook
$599
A18 chip, LCD display
M4 MacBook Air
$999
M4 chip, 13.6″ Liquid Retina display, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD.
iPad 11
$349
A16 chip, 11″ Liquid Retina display, 128 GB storage
iPad 11 w/ Magic Keyboard Folio and Apple Pencil
$697
A16 chip, 11″ Liquid Retina display, 128 GB storage
One thing not in the chart is battery life. The M4 MacBook Air lasted around 15 hours in our lab testing at Tom’s Guide. The iPad 11 test lasted 11 hours and 25 minutes. Presumably, a budget MacBook would have more space for a larger battery, resulting in battery life somewhere between the Air and the iPad.
Via deals and sales, we have seen the MacBook Air as low as $799.
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In comparison, even the best Chromebooks rarely top $700. Our top pick, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, starts at $649 and offers a great OLED display and quality design.
What’s next for MacBooks
In October, Apple only released the M5 MacBook Pro. It’s expected the company will launch an M5 MacBook Air coupled with the M5 Pro and M5 Max versions of the MacBook Pro next year. That spring launch should also include a new M5 and M5 Pro Mac mini plus new Mac Studios.
With every other new MacBook tipped to hit in the spring, this new device is likely to launch alongside them.
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