Choosing specs might not be the hardest part of Apple’s next budget laptop. Choosing a color might be harder. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple has tested brighter finishes like light yellow, light green, blue, and pink for a new entry-level MacBook aimed at students and enterprise buyers. Apple also tried classic silver and dark gray, but it may not ship all six options.
Gurman also says Apple plans to price the laptop around $699–$799 and announce it at a March event. Apple may hit that price by using an iPhone-class chip—potentially the A18 Pro—instead of the usual M-series processor.
Budget MacBook Strategy: iPhone Chip, Lower Price, Same Premium Feel
Apple appears to target buyers who normally choose cheaper Windows laptops or Chromebooks. The company may cut costs through internal components and configuration choices. Apple may also trim ports or adjust display specs to protect margins. Gurman suggests Apple won’t cheapen the exterior build.
Instead, Apple reportedly plans to keep an aluminum chassis and use a new manufacturing process for the shell. That approach can reduce production cost without switching to plastic. Apple also used bold colors on the iMac lineup recently, so colorful MacBooks match that broader design direction.
Eco-Friendly SEO Angle: Durable Aluminum and Longer Use Cycles
A budget MacBook can be “greener” if Apple focuses on durability and longevity. An aluminum shell typically lasts longer than cheaper plastics and supports reuse and recycling. A lower entry price can also keep devices in service longer, because more users can buy one machine and keep it for years. Efficient mobile chips can also reduce everyday energy use versus older laptops.
