Apple may soon announce a colorful, low-cost MacBook priced at $699-$799, significantly undercutting the current $999 entry-level MacBook Air. This budget-friendly model would use a mobile processor rather than Apple's premium M-series chips, addressing a gap in Apple's laptop lineup that has existed since the discontinuation of older models.

The timing makes strategic sense as Microsoft focuses heavily on AI features and deals with criticism over recent Windows updates that have bricked some systems. Apple hasn't aggressively courted Windows users since its "Get a Mac" ads from the mid-2000s, making this an opportunity to attract frustrated Windows customers with macOS's cleaner interface and reliable hardware.

Rumors suggest the new MacBook could feature the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro, offering substantial performance for basic productivity tasks while maintaining a lower price point. For Windows users tired of bloatware and unreliable updates, this could provide a compelling alternative without sacrificing essential functionality or breaking the bank.