Apple Rumored to Launch a KES 80,000 MacBook, Potentially Arriving in Early 2026

Apple is reportedly developing a new, smaller, and significantly more affordable MacBook with a starting price as low as $599 (approximately KES 78,000), according to a new report from the supply chain publication DigiTimes. The move, if it materializes, would represent a major strategic shift for Apple, targeting the student and budget-conscious consumer market in a way the company has not done in years.

The rumor suggests that mass production of some components could begin as early as the third quarter of 2025, pointing towards a potential launch in late 2025 or early 2026. For Kenyan students and young professionals who have long seen the MacBook as an aspirational but out-of-reach device, this could be a game-changer.

What to Expect from the Affordable MacBook

While Apple’s MacBook Air lineup has become more accessible, with prices sometimes dropping to around the KES 100,000 mark for base models, this new rumored device would push the entry point even lower.

According to the report, the key details of the new affordable MacBook are:

• A Smaller Display: The device will reportedly feature a 12.9-inch screen, making it slightly more compact than the current 13.6-inch MacBook Air.
• Aggressive Pricing: The target price range is said to be between $599 and $699.
• Powerful Internals: Despite its lower price, the report claims the new MacBook will be outfitted with the A18 Pro chip, the same powerful processor expected to debut in the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro models.

A Major Shift in Apple’s Strategy

For years, Apple has faced criticism for the high cost of its Mac lineup, which has kept it out of reach for a large segment of the market, particularly in countries like Kenya. The introduction of a sub-$700 MacBook would be a direct challenge to the dominance of Windows laptops in the education and entry-level professional space.

Currently, the cheapest way to get a new Mac is the M4 Mac mini, but that requires the separate purchase of a display, keyboard, and mouse, and lacks the portability that is essential for students and mobile workers. A $599 all-in-one MacBook would be an exceptionally compelling alternative, likely unrivaled in terms of performance-per-shilling in that price bracket.

Potential Launch Timeline

The report suggests a rapid development timeline. With mass production of some components slated for Q3 2025 and final assembly potentially happening in Q4 2025, Apple could be preparing for a launch either just before the holiday season of 2025 or in early 2026.

While this news should be treated with caution, as is the case with all supply chain rumors, the prospect of a truly affordable MacBook is an exciting one. Such a device would not only boost Apple’s Mac shipments but could also force competitors to offer better hardware at more competitive prices, a move that would ultimately benefit consumers across the board.