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Reports: Apple Preparing Low-Cost MacBook With A18 Pro Chip, March Reveal Targeted

Leaked plans describe a cheaper aluminum build in bold colors aimed at students and other budget buyers.

Overview

  • Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, as cited by 9to5Mac and AppleInsider, reports Apple is planning to announce the laptop at an event in March.
  • The model is said to use an iPhone-class A18 Pro processor, prioritizing efficiency over multi-core power, with battery life estimates near 24 hours of video playback.
  • Pricing is rumored in the $599–$699 range, with some reports suggesting it could reach about $750, undercutting the $999 MacBook Air to compete with Chromebooks and low-cost Windows PCs.
  • Reported cost-saving specs include a display just under 13 inches using standard LCD, a single USB-C port without MagSafe, and support for only one external monitor.
  • Apple is reportedly retaining an aluminum chassis via a faster, more cost-effective manufacturing process and testing colors like light yellow, light green, blue, pink, silver, and dark gray.