Apple to Launch Budget MacBook with A18 Pro Under $1,000

Apple is preparing to launch a budget-friendly MacBook aimed at students and enterprise users, featuring an A18 Pro chip and a price tag under $1,000, with an unveiling expected in March.

According to reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the entry-level laptop, codenamed J700, will mark a departure from Apple's higher-end MacBook lineup by incorporating an iPhone-derived processor rather than the more powerful M-series chips used in current models. The A18 Pro, which debuted in the iPhone 16 Pro Max, is designed to deliver capable performance for everyday tasks while helping keep costs down. The device is anticipated to start at around $700 to $800, making it significantly more affordable than the $999 base MacBook Air.

The laptop will feature a display slightly smaller than 13 inches, possibly around 12.9 inches, and an LCD panel rather than the premium options in pricier models. Despite the lower price, Apple plans to maintain its signature build quality with an aluminum chassis, avoiding cheaper plastic alternatives. To achieve this, the company has developed a new manufacturing process for the shells that is faster and more cost-effective than those used for existing...