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Rumor mill: Low-cost merchandise are one thing you do not normally affiliate with Apple. Nonetheless, in accordance with a brand new rumor, the Cupertino firm may launch a brand new line of comparatively low cost MacBooks subsequent yr that may compete in opposition to Chromebooks within the training sector.
The rumor – emphasis on that phrase – comes from Taiwanese publication DigiTimes, which cites business sources. It writes that the low-cost MacBooks may very well be launched as early because the second half of 2024.
The brand new MacBook product line will reportedly have a similar-looking steel outer casing because the Air and Professional laptops, however it will likely be made of various (i.e., cheaper) supplies – present MacBooks use aluminum alloy – and the price of the mechanical parts will likely be decrease. DigiTimes does not reveal any potential specs or worth factors of the brand new MacBook collection.
The launch date of H2 2024 relies on the present lack of associated exercise at main Apple suppliers comparable to Foxconn and Quanta Laptop, that means a launch within the first half of subsequent yr is unlikely to occur.
As with many issues, the pandemic boosted gross sales of Chromebooks, from simply 13.9 million models in 2019 to 30.4 million in 2020 and 33.5 million in 2021. Gross sales have slowed since then, however they’re nonetheless very fashionable amongst college students and inside training amenities.
It is doable that Apple may use its older silicon, such because the M1 SoC, in these education-focused MacBooks to maintain the prices down. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless arduous to think about them with the ability to compete with Chromebooks on worth alone, given what Apple’s definition of low-cost is likely to be. The vast majority of Chromebooks promote for between $200 and $300, whereas Apple’s most cost-effective pill, the bottom iPad, begins at $329, and that does not even include a keyboard as normal. The most cost effective MacBook on Apple’s web site, the MacBook Air 13 with the M1 chip, is $999.
If – and it is a large if – this rumor is true, Apple will little doubt place its new MacBooks as a superior different to Chromebooks to attempt to justify any further expense.
In case you’re available in the market for a Chromebook, be sure that to take a look at our ‘Best Of’ feature.
Picture credit score: Howdy by Taan Huyn
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