According to Techmeme, Apple is testing a new low-cost Mac priced under $1,000 that uses an iPhone-class chip instead of an M-series processor. The device reportedly still outperforms early M1 Macs while expanding Apple’s entry-level Mac lineup without hurting Air and Pro average selling prices. Analyst Austin Lyons noted this could be the oft-rumored everyday low-priced MacBook, referencing his recent CNBC Apple earnings interview where he discussed near-term demand levers. This development follows Apple pulling out of the auto project, slow-rolling XR that few care about, and not pursuing smart-home or ring products.
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Why This Makes Sense Now
Here’s the thing – Apple‘s running out of big growth levers. The car’s dead, Vision Pro is a niche product, and they’re not exactly dominating the smart home space. So what’s left? Basically, they need to squeeze more revenue from their existing product categories. A budget Mac could be huge for students, emerging markets, and anyone who’s been priced out of the Apple ecosystem. And let’s be honest, the current Mac lineup starts at what, $1,099? That’s a tough sell when Chromebooks and Windows machines are sitting there at half the price.
The Chip Strategy Is Brilliant
Using an iPhone-class chip instead of an M-series processor is actually pretty clever. Think about it – Apple’s A-series chips are already incredibly powerful, and they’ve got massive production scale. They can basically repurpose existing silicon rather than designing something completely new. This keeps costs down while still delivering solid performance. The fact that it outperforms early M1 Macs is impressive – most people wouldn’t even notice the difference for everyday tasks.
What This Means for the Market
If Apple actually releases this, it could seriously disrupt the education and entry-level laptop markets. Chromebooks have owned the sub-$1,000 space for years, and Windows laptops have been playing catch-up. But an Apple product under a grand? That changes everything. As Ben Bajarin and others have discussed, this could be Apple’s play for the next billion users – people who want the Apple experience but can’t justify the premium prices. The question is whether Apple can maintain its margins while hitting that price point. My guess? They’ll find a way.
