Apple reportedly working on affordable new MacBook to kill Chromebooks

2023 MacBook Air 15-inch M2 shown open on a surface
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Apple is reportedly ramping up its involvement in the education sector with the development of an all-new entry-level MacBook series.

According to DigiTimes, and @Tech_Reve on Twitter, Apple is eying up a foray into the entry-level laptop segment, in order to tap into the burgeoning educational market, traditionally dominated by more budget-friendly options.

The tweet claims this is a strategic maneuver aimed at directly competing with Chromebook models that have gained popularity in schools and universities internationally. Industry insiders suggest that this new product could hit the market as early as the second quarter of 2024.

While Apple is renowned for its premium materials and design, this forthcoming MacBook would see some notable changes according to @Tech_Reve. Crucially, the exterior will continue to feature the sleek metal case emblematic of Apple's design ethos. 

However, the key difference lies in the materials used internally. By reducing the reliance on expensive mechanical components, Apple is gearing up to offer a competitively priced laptop, directly targeting students, teachers, and educational institutions.

This move signifies Apple's commitment to making high-quality technology more accessible to a wider audience. Although the MacBook Air stands as the current cheaper option, customers are still eager to find the best MacBook deals in the hope of saving a little more.

We may get a surprise Macbook announcement during the Apple September event next week. Although Apple doesn't typically announce new Macs alongside the iPhone, but rumors are gaining ground on the new MacBook Pro 14-inch 2023MacBook Pro 16-inch 2023, and a 15-inch MacBook Air featuring the M2 chip.

So far we are expecting the new iPhone 15 series, which is tipped to embrace the Dynamic Island on all models rather than just the Pros. On top of that, the iPhone 15 Pro is on track to get some interesting design changes including an Action button and a titanium body.

More From Tom's Guide

Elliot Mulley-Goodbarne
Phones Writer

Elliot MulleyGoodbarne is a Staff Writer at Tom’s Guide covering news, reviews, buying guides with wit and charm. He has had a keen interest in mobile, tablets, laptops, and everything in between since his first phone, the Samsung U600. Starting at Mobile News, Elliot has been writing about mobile and the business of technology since 2016, and has edited four trade magazines in that time, attending award shows for three of them. He has attended a range of industry events including 5G launches, device announcements, and trade events, where he developed a nose for picking up on trends, interviewing executives, and networking with the tech community. In his spare time, Elliot can usually be found watching, playing, or attending sporting events. With season tickets to West Ham United and Surrey County Cricket Club he often spends weekends in winter in a foul mood and evenings in the summer with a smile on his face. Outside of sport Elliot enjoys cooking, pubs next to rivers, and chilling out with a G&T, Whiskey, or Port after a solid week of excellence.

Read more
MacBook Air 15-inch M3
M4 MacBook Air reportedly 'deep' in manufacturing — here's when it could go on sale
MacBook Air vs iPad Pro
Apple MacBook Air M4 and iPad Air upgrades could follow the iPhone SE 4
MacBook Pro M4 on desk
Epic Apple MacBook sale is live — shop the best deals from $629 right now
MacBook Air M3
Apple’s M4 MacBook Air could launch in the next few weeks — what we know
A MacBook Air tease by Tim Cook
Apple's Tim Cook just teased 'Something in the Air' ahead of MacBook Air M4 launch
M3 MacBook Air
MacBook Air M4 expected to launch this week — here's what to expect
Latest in MacBooks
MacBook Air M3 15-inch in hand with Tom's Guide Lowest Price badge
Hurry! MacBook Air M3 just crashed to lowest price ever on Amazon
MacBook Air 15-inch M4
I used Apple's 15-inch M4 MacBook Air for a week — it's like last year's model, but with an extra shot of espresso
MacBook Air M4
MacBook Air M4 benchmarks are here — here's how it compares to the MacBook Pro, Windows laptops and more
MacBook Air M4
MacBook Air M4 just finally solved a keyboard problem after 25 years — here's what's fixed
MacBook Air M4 vs. MacBook Air M1
MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Air M1: 7 biggest upgrades
MacBook Air M3
Holy smokes! The MacBook Air M3 just fell to its lowest ever price at Amazon
Latest in News
Gemini logo on smartphone
Google is giving away Gemini's best paid features for free — here's the tools you can try now
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Older Samsung phones are finally getting One UI 7 — here's all the devices
A photo of Apple CarPly in use
Apple CarPlay just got a welcome upgrade in iOS 18.4 — what you need to know
Everybody Live With John Mulaney
Netflix top 10 shows — here's the 3 worth watching right now
the Orbea Denna on a gravel track
Orbea's new e-bike is designed to tackle both road and gravel — and you can build your own
An off-white pillow opened up halfway with the latex and fiber filling spilling outside
Coop Sleep Goods launches new Adjustable Latex Pillow — and it's 20% off for Sleep Week