Earlier this summer, a prominent analyst known for covering Apple suggested that the company was developing a “more budget-friendly MacBook” utilizing an iPhone chip. Now, there is a clearer understanding of its prospective pricing, which could be close to half the cost of the current-generation MacBook Air.

As reported by the Taiwanese tech publication DigiTimes, the economical MacBook that Apple is allegedly creating could be priced in the range of $599 to $699. Although still speculative, the lower end of this estimate would position it 40% cheaper than the latest M4 MacBook Air. This price bracket would also be comparable to the M1 MacBook Air from late 2020, which Walmart has been offering for $599 this summer.

DigiTimes further indicates that this budget-friendly MacBook will boast a 12.9-inch display, marginally smaller than the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had previously mentioned in June that a new low-cost MacBook would feature a 13-inch display and the Apple A18 Pro chip, the same as last year’s iPhone 16 Pro and Max. This would represent the inaugural MacBook driven by an iPhone chip. Kuo also noted that it might come in colors such as silver, blue, pink, and yellow.

Kuo anticipates that the affordable MacBook will commence mass production in late Q4 of 2025 or early Q1 of 2026, possibly making it available before the expected M5 and M6 MacBooks. If these disclosures are correct, the upcoming year could be pivotal for enthusiasts of Apple’s laptops.