More Lower-Cost MacBook Details Surface Ahead of 'Apple Experience' Next Week

Source: MacRumors

Overview

Apple is expected to unveil up to five new products next week, including a lower‑cost MacBook. Details about the laptop surfaced today.

Supply Chain Details

• According to supply‑chain sources quoted by DigiTimes, the entry‑level MacBook will launch in March, with volume shipments projected to begin next month.
• Quanta Computer is expected to be the primary assembler, with Foxconn joining later.
• Mass production was originally slated for late 2025, but has been pushed back to the first quarter of 2026.

Pricing

• Early estimates suggested a starting price of $599 in the U.S., but the final price may be $699 or $799.
• College students can receive $100 off the regular price through Apple’s education store.

Launch Event

• “Apple Experience” gatherings are scheduled for New York, London, and Shanghai on Wednesday, March 4 at 9 a.m. ET.
• There will be no live‑streamed Apple Event; the new MacBook is expected to be announced via a press release.

Specifications (rumored)

• Powered by the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro, rather than an M‑series chip.
• Likely to feature a 12.9‑inch display (slightly smaller than current models).
• Expected RAM: 8 GB.
• Ports: regular USB‑C ports, not the faster Thunderbolt ports.
• Available color options may include yellow, green, blue, and/or pink.
• This would be the first entry‑level “MacBook” with Apple silicon; previous entry‑level models (2006‑2012, 2015‑2019) used Intel processors.

Tags: DigiTimes, MacBook (A18 Pro)

This article first appeared on MacRumors.com.