Apple's MacBook may start at $599, featuring a 12.9-inch display and iPhone 16 Pro chip

Apple plans a $599 MacBook with a 12.9-inch display, using the iPhone 16 Pro chip, competing with budget Windows laptops.

: Apple is anticipated to release its most affordable MacBook at $599 or $699, aimed at entering mass production soon. This new model is reported to utilize the A18 Pro processor, matching that in the iPhone 16 Pro series. The laptop will be equipped with a 12.9-inch display, slightly smaller than the current MacBook Air's screen. Taiwanese ODM Quanta is expected to be responsible for assembling this new product, marking a strategic push by Apple into the budget laptop market.

Apple is reportedly set to introduce a highly affordable MacBook model as it strategically targets budget-conscious consumers traditionally aligned with Windows laptops. This initiative involves the development of a MacBook likely priced between $599 and $699, aiming to leverage increased production efficiency and supply chain optimization. Such pricing undercuts several major competitors, including entry-level models from Dell and HP.

The speculated MacBook will utilize the A18 Pro System on a Chip (SoC), bringing potent capabilities from the iPhone 16 Pro lineup directly to the macOS environment. Historically, this type of processor integration signifies Apple's dedication to achieving high performance while maintaining energy efficiency, a hallmark of their design philosophy.

The introduction of a 12.9-inch display sets this MacBook apart, presenting a compact yet robust option for those seeking both power and portability. Details on further specifications remain limited, though market watchers expect Apple to disclose more information as production progresses.

Quanta, a prominent Taiwanese Original Design Manufacturer (ODM), will lead production for this MacBook in collaboration with Apple. Quanta's expertise in assembling consumer electronics for major U.S. companies, including Dell and HP, underscores the expected balance of quality and cost control in production.

Industry analyst Ming Chi Kuo highlights that Apple has ambitious plans to push MacBook shipments back to historical peaks, aiming for about 25 million units. This new budget-friendly offering could play a significant role in achieving those sales targets, with projections suggesting shipments between 5 and 7 million units next year.

Sources: Digitimes, Techspot, Ming Chi Kuo

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