Apple is making a cheap MacBook — that’s bad news for Windows

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As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled by whispers suggesting Apple could soon unveil an economically-priced MacBook powered by an iPhone chip. If this rumor holds, it seems Apple is poised to shake up the market with what might become the most budget-friendly laptop globally. Frankly, Windows laptops may find it challenging to keep pace.

Since 2020, Apple’s introduction of Apple Silicon has significantly raised the bar for the entire PC industry in terms of chip design. To this day, Apple frequently outperforms its competitors in terms of silicon performance and energy efficiency.

So far, Windows has had an advantage because Apple has not provided laptops within the price range typically preferred by most Windows users.

Most Windows laptops tend to fall into the mid-tier price range, typically retailing from around $600 to $800. Laptops priced above this point often find themselves in direct competition with the MacBook Air.

For a while now, there hasn’t been much advancement when it comes to mid-priced Windows computers, as they often have unattractive plastic bodies, mediocre screens, subpar performance, and design that isn’t as sleek compared to higher-end models.

They’re tools for people to get work done, and nobody pretends they’re anything else.

If it’s true that Apple is planning to release a budget-friendly MacBook priced between $600 and $800, this could be troublesome for Windows laptop manufacturers operating within the same price range. These Windows PC makers producing devices similar to the affordable MacBook will likely have to enhance their product offerings significantly to keep up with the competition in this market segment.

The more I ponder over it, the stronger my conviction becomes that Windows Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) might not be able to produce enough affordable models to effectively challenge a low-priced MacBook in terms of competition.

As an ardent admirer, I firmly believe that Apple has the edge to craft a device under $800, striking the perfect balance between allure, power, and enduring battery life. Unlike comparable Windows PCs within the same price range, Apple seems poised to deliver a truly exceptional experience.

It’s being speculated that the upcoming budget MacBook will feature the same processor as the iPhone 16 Pro, namely the A18 Pro chip. This is a smart move, providing exceptional efficiency and performance that surpasses even the highly regarded M1 chip used in the 2020 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.

While it may not surpass Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X SoC in terms of performance within this price bracket, the minor difference is insignificant, particularly when considering potential enhancements in battery life.

This economical MacBook is intended for individuals seeking an inexpensive computer that offers great battery life, a stylish design, and perhaps prioritizes those aspects over raw performance. Since most potential buyers eyeing budget-friendly MacBooks under $800 typically do not focus on high-end performance, it’s unlikely to be the main selling point of this entry-level model.

As a tech enthusiast, I’d say that for many folks, the allure of a MacBook is often what tips the scale in its favor compared to a Windows PC.

Essentially, the challenge lies with Windows Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Until recently, they’ve managed to sell uninspiring, affordable laptops that meet basic requirements because that’s what consumers at their price point have come to expect from the market.

Apple will come along and build something that people actually want to buy in this price range.

It’s fantastic news for consumers as they’ll now have access to more appealing devices at affordable prices under $800. Unfortunately, this development poses a challenge for Windows Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), as they will need to start manufacturing devices that are attractive enough for customers to purchase.

Here are two possible outcomes:

1. We might be witnessing some exceptional mid-range Windows computers being unveiled.
2. Alternatively, Windows manufacturers may find it challenging to keep up, potentially leading to a larger share of the market going to Macs.

Indeed, there are still unknown aspects regarding the upcoming MacBook model. While it might share similarities with mid-tier Windows PCs in terms of material, such as plastic, it seems rather improbable given Apple’s reputation for quality.

It’s clear that Apple intends to preserve the high-end appearance it’s renowned for, even on its laptops priced below $800.

It’s worth mentioning that aside from what we already know, there are whispers suggesting that the upcoming MacBook might come in a variety of vibrant colors, much like its counterparts, the base iPad and iPhone. This hints that Apple may be focusing on design as a key selling point for this product, which seems strategically sound given their primary strength lies in design.

Another reason I believe an affordable MacBook will prove successful is due to the less-than-stellar reputation of Windows at the moment. It’s accurate to say that Windows isn’t highly regarded currently, given the widespread issues with advertising, privacy concerns, and bugs present throughout Windows 11.

Many individuals prefer using macOS over Windows, yet find it challenging due to the higher cost associated with it.

It seems clear that an affordable MacBook could be a solution for many individuals, enabling them to leave Windows behind and explore what they perceive as greener pastures with macOS. While I personally don’t subscribe to the belief that macOS is superior to Windows at this point in time, I acknowledge that this viewpoint isn’t widely shared.

Essentially, if Apple indeed plans to enter the mid-tier computer market, it’s not only Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who should enhance their offerings; the Windows operating system itself needs significant improvements. This includes a greater emphasis on quality, user-friendliness, and minimizing features or changes that frustrate users.

An increasing number of individuals are considering switching to other options, and Microsoft and its hardware collaborators must take every possible step to persuade users to remain loyal.

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2025-07-02 15:09