Industry chatter suggests Apple is eyeing a budget-friendly laptop to challenge Google’s Chromebooks in the affordable sector. A DigiTimes report casts this as a strategic move for Apple to broaden its reach into environments that value reliability without a steep price tag.
The device is described with a metal chassis and a price hovering just under $1,000, roughly 97,500 rubles at current exchange rates. If true, the price point could position Apple as a strong option for schools and midmarket companies seeking durable, easy-to-manage machines that won’t strain budgets. Apple has already started framing itself as a value choice for education through pricing on iPads, a precedent that could influence how the new laptop is received in classrooms and on campuses.
Reports indicate Apple has ordered components from its main manufacturing partners, Quanta Computer and Foxconn. The laptop is expected to hit the market in the second half of 2024, aligning with a broader shift toward hybrid learning and remote work where affordable devices are in demand. The current Apple lineup includes the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, with entry prices of 999 and 1299 respectively. If the budget model arrives as described, it would become Apple’s most affordable traditional laptop, potentially changing how the company competes in education and small business markets.
Earlier discussions have touched on Apple’s wider product strategy, signaling ongoing efforts to broaden appeal beyond premium offerings. If verified, the budget laptop could serve as a key entry point for new users while still leveraging Apple’s software ecosystem and support backbone. The potential impact on resale value, repairability, and total cost of ownership would matter to buyers comparing Chromebooks and other budget PCs. Analysts will likely watch how Apple balances performance, battery life, and manageability within a sub-$1,000 framework, especially in settings that require simple deployment and long device lifespans.
In a broader market view, a budget Apple option could intensify rivalry with Google’s Chromebook lineup, which has long led budget education deployments thanks to its simplicity and cloud-centric approach. A price-competitive Apple alternative, if paired with strong wireless performance, solid security, and seamless access to macOS or iPadOS apps via management tools, could shift procurement decisions in schools, libraries, and small to mid-sized businesses. The exact specifications, including processor type, memory, storage, and display quality, will matter for assessing overall value. News outlets and industry watchers will likely examine supply chain readiness, including component sourcing from Quanta and Foxconn, to gauge whether demand can be met in time.
With the rumored launch, Apple would need to present a clear value proposition that sets its budget laptop apart from both high-end MacBooks and rival Chromebooks. Prospective buyers will consider not just the sticker price but also factors such as device longevity, ecosystem advantages, and the availability of enterprise-grade security features. The rollout could also influence procurement trends in education by prompting districts to compare Apple’s total cost of ownership against Chrome OS devices, Windows-based systems, and other competitive options. A successful introduction would depend on reliable performance in everyday classroom tasks, fast boot times, smooth app compatibility, and straightforward device management for IT staff.