A low-cost MacBook powered by an iPhone chip is coming, starting at $599

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The macbook Air M4 is still the best notebook for regular users, particularly students. Nothing really compares to Apple’s MacBook Air, but the laptop isn’t exactly economical, turning off many potential customers. It starts at Rs 99,900 (or $999 in the US). However, Apple might have a way to increase the MacBook’s accessibility.

The low-cost MacBook will start at $699 (or Rs 61,113), or $599 (or Rs 52,370) with an education discount, according to DigiTimes, which cites “supply chain sources.” Should this be accurate, it would be the first time the business has ever sold a MacBook for less than $999. According to reports, the first phase of production is actually expected to start sometime next month, and by the end of the year, full-scale manufacturing may be under way.

We have already learned that Apple is developing a low-cost MacBook. According to a prior report by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Cupertino has been working on a low-cost MacBook intended for emerging markets.

The 12.9-inch screen of the entry-level notebook will be marginally smaller than that of the 13.6-inch MacBook Air. Remarkably, the laptop will be powered by the A18 Pro, the same technology that powers the iPhone 16 Pro, rather than an M-series chip. This implies that an A18 Pro MacBook will still be slower than the M4 MacBook Air, even though it will be quick and even support Apple Intelligence. Similar to the iBook G3, which was also offered in playful, candy-like colors, the $599 MacBook will come in blue, pink, silver, and yellow color options.

Why Apple’s needs a low-cost MacBook

Despite years of rumors, Apple has never released a low-cost MacBook, perhaps because of worries that it might reduce iPad sales. Sales of the MacBook Air are also anticipated to be impacted by the $599 MacBook, particularly in areas like India where customers will have another option: one that runs a full-fledged version of macOS. To set it apart, Apple will probably utilize different colors or materials for the casing.

All said and done, the idea behind the $599 MacBook could be aimed at capturing some market share from Windows laptops. Since Windows 10 will no longer be supported after October of this year, many customers are anticipated to buy new notebooks. It could be advantageous for Cupertino if Apple can provide a MacBook for $599.

Among its main rivals, Apple has grown at the fastest rate in recent quarters. With a 9.1% market share in Q2 2025, Cupertino ranked as the fourth-largest PC vendor globally, according to IDC.