Apple budget MacBook could soon change how people think about Apple laptops. For years, MacBooks have been premium machines with prices starting near ₹1,00,000 in India. But Apple is now preparing a new model powered by the A18 Pro chip, aiming to deliver solid performance at a much lower price. If launched, this device may become the cheapest MacBook ever and a major step into the mid-range laptop market.
Apple’s Plan for a Budget MacBook
Rumors suggest that Apple is working on a budget MacBook that could be released in late 2025 or early 2026. The laptop will use the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro instead of Apple’s M-series processors. This move allows Apple to cut costs while still providing competitive performance for students, casual users, and budget-conscious buyers. source: Macworld
Price and Performance Expectations
The upcoming budget MacBook is expected to be priced around $599 to $699, which translates to about ₹52,000 to ₹61,000 in India. This makes it nearly half the price of the current MacBook Air M4, which starts at ₹99,990. Benchmark leaks show the A18 Pro chip performing 43 percent better in single-core tests compared to the M1, while multi-core scores are very close. This suggests users can expect reliable performance for browsing, entertainment, and office work. source: India Today
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Compact Design with Fresh Colors
Design reports point to a 12.9-inch display, making this budget MacBook slightly smaller and lighter than the MacBook Air. Apple may also bring in playful color options such as blue, pink, yellow, and silver, making it appealing for younger buyers and students. This design echoes the compact 12-inch MacBook that Apple discontinued years ago, but with a modern twist. source: TechRadar
Trade-offs for Affordability
To keep the price low, Apple may drop some premium features. The A18 Pro chip is not expected to support Thunderbolt, meaning only standard USB-C ports will be available. External monitor support may also be limited. The display could be less bright compared to higher-end models, and RAM and storage options may start at the entry level. Still, for its price, the budget MacBook should handle daily computing tasks comfortably. source: MacRumors
When Will It Launch
Production of the new budget MacBook is expected to begin later this year, with a possible launch around the end of 2025 or early 2026. Apple could time the release for the holiday season or early next year to maximize sales. If the timeline holds true, buyers in India and around the world could see the most affordable MacBook yet in just a few months. source: Tom’s Guide
Apple will reportedly launch a low-cost MacBook with a 12.9” display and A18 Pro chip for as low as $599 this year 🚨
Source: DigiTimes pic.twitter.com/1LFJrVdzTx
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) August 11, 2025
Why This Budget MacBook Matters
Apple has never directly competed in the mid-range laptop segment, which is dominated by Windows PCs and Chromebooks. By pricing the new budget MacBook around ₹50,000, Apple could win over students, professionals, and even Windows users facing the end of Windows 10 support. Analysts predict that Apple could sell 5–7 million units in the first year, boosting overall MacBook shipments to 25 million in 2026. source: Windows Central
Should You Wait for the Budget MacBook
If you’ve been thinking about buying your first MacBook but held back because of the price, this upcoming budget MacBook with A18 Pro chip may be worth waiting for. It promises modern performance, colorful design, and Apple’s reliable ecosystem at nearly half the cost of today’s entry-level MacBooks. While there may be compromises in ports and display quality, the lower price point could make it one of the most exciting Apple launches in years.