It’s more bad news for Microsoft and Windows 11 — Apple’s cheap MacBook actually sounds good

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A recent report details Apple’s plans for a more affordable MacBook, and it could pose a challenge to Microsoft and budget-friendly Windows laptops. Bloomberg reports that Apple is gearing up to produce a MacBook, expected to cost less than $1,000, with a 13-inch screen and a high-quality aluminum design. It will be powered by Apple’s own silicon chip and is slated for release in the first half of 2026.

Rumors of a more affordable MacBook surfaced earlier this summer, and I predicted it could be bad news for Microsoft and the market for mid-priced Windows computers. Until now, Windows computer manufacturers have largely produced basic, low-quality PCs in the $500-$700 range, often resulting in devices that feel cheap or don’t perform well.

If Apple releases a MacBook around $700, it’s likely to be very popular and could significantly affect the market for mid-range Windows PCs. Many people in the $500-$700 price range aren’t necessarily loyal to Windows, so a good alternative – like a MacBook – would likely be a preferred choice for a lot of them.

Even an affordable MacBook, with its sleek Apple design and full macOS operating system, will likely be a better choice than similarly priced Windows laptops made of plastic or with weaker performance. According to Bloomberg, this new, cheaper MacBook will use an A18 Pro chip, offering performance comparable to the M1 MacBook Air, but with significantly improved battery life – potentially lasting an entire day or more on a single charge.

The new model is predicted to have a screen a bit smaller than the MacBook Air’s. A 13-inch display, likely very similar to the one on the iPad Air, seems most probable. Even without the touchscreen, it should still be a beautiful display, which is what most users care about.

It’s hard to find a new Windows laptop in the $600-$700 price range that can compete with this MacBook. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch is the closest option, but it costs $899 and has a noticeably less sharp screen. You might find some older models, like the ASUS ZenBook A14, on sale for around $699 or less that offer similar features, including a vibrant 1080P OLED screen and long battery life.

Despite any potential competition from affordable Windows PCs, many people are likely to still choose a MacBook. Windows has developed a poor reputation, and increasingly, users are actively looking to switch away from Microsoft’s increasingly problematic operating system.

What do we know about Apple’s cheap MacBook?

Rumors suggest Apple will release a more affordable MacBook in the first six months of 2026, priced at less than $1,000. It’s expected to have a powerful A18 Pro processor, a 13-inch screen, and a high-quality aluminum body.

How will a cheap MacBook impact the midrange PC market?

As an analyst, I’ve noticed a real problem with many mid-range Windows PCs. They often feel like they’re designed to cut costs rather than deliver a great experience, which can make them disappointing purchases. I frequently see them constructed with cheaper materials – think plastic builds – and equipped with lower-quality screens and batteries compared to premium Windows machines or MacBooks. Honestly, at around the $700 mark, even a more basic MacBook can often feel like a better value and a more appealing option than many comparable Windows PCs.

Does Microsoft have an answer to a $700 MacBook?

Right now, Microsoft doesn’t offer a laptop that directly competes with the MacBook in the $600 to $700 price range. Their Surface Laptop 13-inch is the closest alternative, but it’s more expensive at $899 and has a slightly lower quality screen, although performance is comparable.

Is Windows 11 good enough to compete with macOS?

Whether Windows or macOS is better is a common discussion. Recently, many users have been critical of Windows 11, feeling that Microsoft has been prioritizing unwanted features like AI and ads over user experience. While macOS is often seen as the superior desktop operating system by many, the best choice really depends on what each person prefers.

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2025-11-05 23:10