Apple to Launch Low-Cost MacBook to Compete with Chromebooks in 2024
According to rumours, Apple is developing a new MacBook line geared towards schools. Future MacBooks are expected to be less expensive than current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, and they might be available as early as the second half of 2024.
According to Digitimes, the new MacBooks would employ “different materials” for the outside metal case, perhaps lowering the price. They will also have lower-end specifications than current MacBook models.
Apple’s decision to release a low-cost MacBook is seen as a strategy for the company to compete with Chromebooks in the school market. Chromebooks are a popular choice for schools since they are inexpensive and simple to maintain. Apple hopes that its new MacBooks will provide a more quality experience than Chromebooks while remaining affordable enough to be purchased by schools.
It remains to be seen how schools and students will react to the new MacBooks. Apple’s decision to enter the low-cost MacBook market, on the other hand, shows that the business is serious about competing in the school sector.
Here are some of the rumored specifications of the new MacBooks:
- 13-inch or 14-inch display
- Apple M2 chip
- 8GB or 16GB of RAM
- 256GB or 512GB of storage
- Starting price of $699 or $799
The new MacBooks will be delivered at the same time as the next generation of iPads, which are expected to be less expensive. As Apple looks to compete with Chromebooks and Google’s other products, this might be a major shift in the education industry.
Reference:
- Apple mulls low-cost MacBook, say sources: https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230904PD216/apple-low-cost-macbook-education-market-chromebook-k-12.html
- The best MacBook for students in 2023: https://www.creativebloq.com/features/best-student-macbook-guide