Apple is reportedly developing a low-cost MacBook to compete with Google’s popular Chromebook. Chromebooks, which are much cheaper than MacBooks with prices starting at $149, have gained significant traction in the laptop market, particularly in the education sector. Google reported that over 50 million students and teachers were using Chromebooks as of early 2022, leading them to release new devices and a repair program specifically tailored for education.
The high cost of MacBooks has hindered their adoption in schools, but Apple’s iPads are utilized by 10 million schools worldwide, according to GreatSchools. To make the low-cost MacBook more appealing to the education sector, Apple plans to use “different materials” than its existing models, as reported by Digitimes. Insiders also revealed that this new MacBook will be distinct from the MacBook Pro and Air.
Sources suggest that Apple may release the cheaper MacBook as early as the second half of 2024. Analysts believe that Apple’s move into the Chromebook market is inevitable, with Wedbush Securities managing director Dan Ives stating that Apple is playing the long game in the education sector. While Google and Microsoft dominate this market, Ives believes that Apple can make significant inroads given its widespread consumer presence.
Apple has not yet responded to requests for comment on these reports. In addition to the low-cost MacBook, Apple is faced with challenges in its iPhone market share as Android competitors continue to gain ground. The company is also investing in artificial intelligence to boost sales. In its third quarter, Apple recorded a revenue of $81.8 billion, a slight decline from the previous quarter.
When comparing prices, Chromebooks are significantly cheaper, with Best Buy retailing them for $299 compared to the $1,599.99 price tag of Apple laptops. Weaker iPhone sales are balanced by strong sales in Apple’s services segment, which includes Apple TV+, as well as sales in China. Apple’s Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri expects similar performance in the company’s final quarter. If correct, this would mark the largest downward streak for Apple in two decades.
While Apple briefly reached a market capitalization of $3 trillion in June, it has since dropped to $2.86 trillion due to declining sales. However, Apple still maintains a robust market cap of $2.94 trillion, and its shares saw a slight increase and currently sit at $189.70.
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