Apple’s Budget MacBook Details! (Taking Down Chromebook Ain’t Easy) | One More Thing
In the latest episode of “One More Thing,” host Bridget Kerry dives into the intriguing rumors surrounding Apple’s upcoming budget MacBook, potentially set for a 2026 release. Speculated to utilize the same processor found in the iPhone 16, the new laptop aims to carve out a niche in the competitive budget laptop market, primarily targeting Chromebooks and affordable Windows machines.
Apple’s history of premium pricing casts doubt on how “cheap” this MacBook can truly be, especially with reports suggesting a likely price range of $599 for students and $699 for general consumers. However, with the continued popularity of older MacBook models, evidenced by Walmart’s ongoing sales of five-year-old MacBook Airs equipped with M1 chips, the customer appetite for affordable Apple laptops is apparent.
Kerry emphasizes the challenge Apple faces in dethroning Chromebooks, which have become staples in educational settings for their affordability and ease of maintenance. She raises questions about whether Apple can incentivize schools to transition back to MacBooks and whether the new model, possibly featuring fun colors and enhanced specs, will be compelling enough to attract budget-conscious consumers.
As Apple balances its identity as a luxury brand with the potential to cater to the everyday user, the episode invites viewers to reflect on the future of affordable MacBooks and what it means for consumers and educational institutions alike.
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Video “Apple’s Budget MacBook Details! (Taking Down Chromebook Ain’t Easy) | One More Thing” was uploaded on 11/14/2025 to Youtube Channel CNET