Apple Contemplates Introducing Value-Focused MacBook by 2024. Recent whispers from the tech sector hinted at Apple’s intention to unveil an economically priced MacBook to contend with the widely accepted Google Chromebook offerings. These speculations have gained traction again.
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Lending credibility to these murmurs is the acclaimed Apple specialist, Ming-Chi Kuo. A prior piece from DigiTimes last September speculated about Apple’s plan to roll out a more wallet-friendly MacBook variant towards the end of 2024, distinct from its existing MacBook Air and Pro categories. Kuo now suggests that this strategic move might be in response to dwindling MacBook sales, targeting a sales bracket of 8-10 million units annually.
Kuo had initially anticipated that 2023 might see no fresh additions to the MacBook Pro lineup due to “restrained dispatches in Q4 2023.” Yet, current insights suggest that any new MacBook Pros unveiled around November or December would witness limited stock until early 2024.
Kuo also indicated a dip in Mac shipments, possibly owing to the “modest performance enhancement of the M2 chip.” This could potentially pave the way for the unveiling of M3 MacBook Pro variants, though in conservative quantities.
Budgeted MacBooks
The initial Taiwanese reports highlight Apple’s pursuit of certain design modifications for these cost-effective MacBooks, aimed at achieving an economical production line.
Should Apple decide on this cost-effective Mac route, it might resemble a revamped 12-inch MacBook. Launched in 2015, the maiden 12-inch MacBook sported a sleek profile, tipping the scales at just 900 grams, and marked Apple’s debut into the realm of fanless designs, USB-C ports, and butterfly keyboards. However, its utilization of Intel Core M processors left many deeming it underwhelming compared to its introductory cost. It’s worth noting that this model was shelved in 2019.
Ever since Apple integrated Apple Silicon into its entire device lineup, speculations regarding the 12-inch MacBook’s comeback have been rife.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman was among the initial voices suggesting a potential 12-inch MacBook powered by Apple Silicon, hinting at a late 2023 or 2024 release.
Yet, by January 2023, Gurman updated his stance, emphasizing that while a 12-inch MacBook wasn’t on Apple’s immediate agenda, its future introduction wasn’t off the table either.
