Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) is reportedly working on a "low-cost" MacBook, cheaper than its MacBook Air. This move is to compete with Alphabet Inc's (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) Google Chromebook, primarily in education sector.
A report from Digitimes suggests that this cost-effective MacBook series could be launched as early as the second half of 2024. Apple's current least expensive MacBook is the M1 MacBook Air from 2020.
The company is expected to carve out a separate product line for these budget-friendly MacBooks, distinctly different from the MacBook Air and Pro lines. Cost reductions will be achieved through the use of cheaper materials for the laptop's metal exterior and less expensive mechanical components.
The report further mentions that it takes approximately nine months for Apple to roll out a product from its development stage to mass production. However, currently, there's no indication of any movement in the supply chain, implying that the cheap MacBook is at least nine months away.
While Apple's iPad lineup currently serves as its most affordable offering to students, industry observers have noted that iPads are not as easy to use and cannot compete with Chromebooks on price. Thus, this low-cost MacBook may be Apple's answer to these issues. However, the market dominated by Chromebooks priced around $200 may prove challenging for Apple to penetrate.