Apple just launched iPhone 17e and iPad Air M4, now it’s turn for low-cost MacBook

Apple has kicked off the week with a bang, introducing two new devices, the iPhone 17e and iPad Air M4, as part of what seems to be a multi-day wave of hardware announcements. The company appears to be pacing its product reveals strategically, with a third and perhaps most intriguing launch expected to follow soon: a low-cost MacBook aimed squarely at first-time Mac buyers and students.

The iPhone 17e , starting at Rs 64,900, takes centre stage as Apple’s most affordable entry in the iPhone 17 lineup. Alongside it, the refreshed iPad Air (2026) has made its debut, sporting Apple’s powerful M4 chip while retaining its familiar design and price. The 11-inch model continues to start at Rs 64,900, and the 13-inch version at Rs 84,900.

And if that wasn’t enough, Apple fans won’t have to wait long for one more reveal, the long-rumoured low-cost MacBook is expected to make its appearance next.

How low the upcoming low-cost MacBook will be

While Apple hasn’t yet confirmed pricing, the upcoming budget MacBook is expected to be significantly cheaper than the MacBook Air, which currently starts at $999 (around Rs 91,800).

According to reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple insiders are describing the new device as offering “incredible value”, with the potential to attract users switching from Windows laptops and Chromebooks.

In his Power On newsletter, Gurman suggests that Apple envisions this new MacBook as more than just an affordable option, it could even tempt iPhone users who don’t currently own a Mac to purchase their first one. That’s a bold claim, but it reflects Apple’s renewed focus on affordability and ecosystem expansion.

To achieve this, Apple is expected to balance aggressive pricing with hardware compromises. The company is unlikely to lower the price too far, as it risks overlapping with its iPad lineup, which already caters to budget-conscious consumers.

Instead, the low-cost MacBook is positioned to fill the gap between the iPad Air and MacBook Air, making it an appealing option for students, creators, and casual users looking for an Apple laptop experience without the premium tag.

Low-cost MacBook: What to expect

To keep the price down, Apple is reportedly making a few trade-offs. Early leaks suggest the MacBook could feature a dimmed display compared with the Air’s 500-nit panel and may omit True Tone support. Storage configurations are expected to top out at 512GB, with base variants offering 256GB, and possibly a 128GB model for education customers. Higher storage tiers like 1TB and 2TB are unlikely to be offered.

The base model may also come with a slower SSD, possibly using a single NAND chip, and omit fast charging or a backlit keyboard. There’s also talk that it won’t support high-impedance headphones, another cost-saving measure. On the connectivity front, the laptop may skip Apple’s custom N1 wireless chip, relying instead on a MediaTek solution for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Despite these limitations, Apple reportedly wants the new MacBook to feel fun and approachable. The company has tested several playful colour options such as light yellow, green, blue, pink, silver, and dark grey, though not all shades may make it to the final product lineup.

Rumours suggest that the budget MacBook could debut around or just before Apple’s Special Experience event scheduled for March 4, with events planned in New York, London, and Shanghai. Some reports even hint that Apple might quietly announce it via press release as early as today.

If the speculation proves true, Apple’s low-cost MacBook could mark a major strategic shift, one that makes the Mac ecosystem more attainable than ever, extending Apple’s reach well beyond its traditional premium customer base.