According to an inside source for Digitimes Asia, Apple is reportedly developing a Chromebook competitor. Currently, Apple’s lowest notebook-type offering is the 2020 MacBook Air for $999 but can be had for lower with some discounts. However, this only just barely counts as competition for Google’s Chromebooks which can be had for anywhere from around $150 up to $999 and the current M2-based MacBook Air retails for around $1099 or higher. Details from the paywalled report have been shared by iMore (via Windows Central) and indicate this new line of products would be aimed at the educational sector.
Per iMore:
“According to the report, Apple “will likely launch a new product line for its low-cost MacBooks to differentiate it from the existing MacBook Air and Pro lines.” Cost savings will be made by using a cheaper material for the laptop’s metal outer shell, and cheaper mechanical components, all combining for a lower price “aimed at the education market” and Google’s rival Chromebook.”
Should Microsoft worry?
Other reports state that it takes Apple engineers roughly nine months to get a product to market and that this potential series probably won’t be able to launch until sometime in the second half of 2024. Meanwhile, as Windows Central notes, Apple’s idea of low cost may not be the same as that of many other folks and so it’s probable these new offerings could be in the $500 and higher range which is where Microsoft’s Surfrace laptops tend to do well. That being said, if Apple is reportedly developing a new lineup, it could be more of a threat to Microsoft than Google.
Per Windows Central:
“The cheapest Windows laptops usually aren’t very good, Surface Go aside. Even the education-focused Surface Laptop SE never really gained much traction. But options start to look better in the mid-tier, around the $500-and-up space. Realistically, this is the segment that a new, cheaper MacBook would drop into.”
There are other factors to consider regarding the successful launch of a new lineup from Apple. From what type of iOS to the quality of components, including the display which is often something Apple often touts with its products, to the price and potential discounts, and targeted market segment, there is much to be worked out.