Apple’s next step could be to conquer the Chromebook

Apple Event, June 6 2022
(Image credit: Apple)

Apple’s MacBook lineup is no slouch. From mighty M2 Max-powered Pro workhorses to affordable Air counterparts, MacBooks offer almost everything you could want from a modern laptop. In fact, there’s only one device that Apple hasn’t directly gone head-to-head with yet — but that’s apparently set to change.

A fresh report from Digitimes claims Apple is currently working on a low-cost MacBook with one goal in mind: conquer the Chromebook. 

A modest MacBook?

Google’s Chromebooks have effectively cornered the educational market — undercutting the competition with their budget-friendly prices while offering a full suite of apps and tools that are ideal for students.

Apple, not typically known for its budget pricing, has instead targeted students with its more affordable MacBook Air lineup. However, even a last-gen, 13.3-inch, M1 MacBook Air will set you back north of $749, making it a hard sell in comparison to a Chromebook’s typical ~$200 price tag.

If Apple truly wants to challenge the Chromebook, it’s going to need to take an entirely different approach. And, according to Digitimes’ sources, that’s exactly what they’re doing.

Apple’s new MacBook will apparently focus on keeping costs to a minimum — making use of less premium materials and components in construction and tailoring its specifications to ensure it remains competitive with the Chromebook in price and performance.

Sources claim that the new MacBook could be released at some point in the second half of 2024, lining it up nicely for a WWDC 2024 unveiling.

Outlook

For a company often criticized for its liberal sprinkling of the Apple tax, it remains to be seen if the Cupertino brand can truly compete with Google’s Chromebooks on price. However, there’s no arguing that an Apple-backed netbook would be an attractive prospect to many.

That being said, with Apple’s history of premium design and quality, how much can this new MacBook lineup afford to truly sacrifice before it no longer feels worthy of the moniker?

For news, rumors, and updates on all things MacBook and Apple, follow Laptop Mag on TwitterFacebook, and Flipboard for the latest word as it arrives.

Rael Hornby
Content Editor

Rael Hornby, potentially influenced by far too many LucasArts titles at an early age, once thought he’d grow up to be a mighty pirate. However, after several interventions with close friends and family members, you’re now much more likely to see his name attached to the bylines of tech articles. While not maintaining a double life as an aspiring writer by day and indie game dev by night, you’ll find him sat in a corner somewhere muttering to himself about microtransactions or hunting down promising indie games on Twitter.