Apple tests brighter colours for entry-level MacBook

Apple is reportedly considering a wider range of colours for its next budget MacBook, signalling a shift from its traditionally muted laptop designs. According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, the company has tested several lighter, more playful shades, including light yellow, light green, blue, and pink, for the upcoming entry-level model.

These brighter options would mark a notable change for Apple’s MacBook line, which has historically favoured understated finishes such as silver, grey and black. Gurman said Apple has also experimented with its familiar silver and dark grey colourways for the cheaper laptop, suggesting that the company is weighing both conservative and more expressive designs before finalising the product.

Not all of the tested colours are expected to reach the market. Apple often trials multiple finishes during development, but releases only a limited selection. However, recent product launches suggest the company is becoming more open to vibrant designs. In 2024, Apple refreshed the iMac with seven colour options and replaced the space grey finish on the latest MacBook Air with sky blue. These moves indicate a broader effort to appeal to younger users and consumers who want more personalisation in their devices.

The new entry-level MacBook is said to be aimed at students and enterprise customers. By introducing lighter and more colourful designs, Apple may be trying to make the device more attractive in education and corporate settings, where differentiation and personal expression are increasingly valued. Colour choices could also help Apple compete more directly with Chromebooks and budget Windows laptops, many of which already offer a wide range of finishes.

Lower price expected with iPhone-class chips

The upcoming MacBook is expected to be positioned as a more affordable option within Apple’s laptop range. Reports suggest the device could be priced between US$699 and US$799, placing it below the MacBook Air and significantly cheaper than the MacBook Pro lineup.

To achieve this lower price point, Apple is reportedly planning to use chips originally designed for iPhones. Gurman indicated that Apple may use a processor similar to the A18 Pro, which debuted with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Using an iPhone-class chip in a MacBook would be a significant departure from Apple’s current approach, which relies on its M-series chips for laptops and desktops.

While iPhone chips are powerful, they are generally optimised for mobile devices and may offer different performance characteristics compared with Apple’s M-series processors. This could mean the budget MacBook will prioritise efficiency and basic performance rather than high-end computing tasks. Such a strategy would align with the device’s target audience, which is expected to include students, office workers and enterprise deployments where cost and battery life are often more important than raw power.

To keep costs down, Apple is also expected to compromise on some specifications. This could include fewer ports, a lower-end display, or reduced memory and storage options compared with higher-priced models. However, these trade-offs are common in entry-level laptops and may not significantly affect everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing and video streaming.

The introduction of a lower-cost MacBook could also broaden Apple’s reach in markets with higher price sensitivity. By offering a MacBook at a more accessible price, Apple may attract first-time buyers who previously considered the MacBook Air or Pro too expensive.

Aluminium shell retained despite cost pressures

Despite efforts to reduce the price, Apple is reportedly unwilling to compromise on the laptop’s build quality. Gurman said the company plans to use a new manufacturing process to produce aluminium shells for the affordable MacBook, rather than switching to cheaper materials such as plastic.

Maintaining an aluminium chassis would help Apple preserve the premium feel associated with its laptops, even at a lower price point. Aluminium construction is often seen as a hallmark of Apple’s design philosophy and is a key factor in the durability and perceived quality of its devices. By refining its manufacturing process, Apple may be able to reduce production costs without sacrificing the materials that define its brand.

This approach suggests Apple is seeking a balance between affordability and design standards. While some specifications may be scaled back, the device’s overall look and feel are likely to remain consistent with Apple’s broader MacBook lineup. This could help the company maintain its reputation for quality while expanding into more price-conscious segments.

The new budget MacBook is expected to be announced at an Apple event in March, according to Gurman. If confirmed, the announcement could provide details on the final colour options, specifications and pricing. It may also signal a broader strategy to diversify Apple’s laptop portfolio and compete more aggressively in the lower end of the market.

As Apple continues to refine its product range, the entry-level MacBook could play a key role in attracting new customers and reinforcing the Mac as a mainstream computing platform. The combination of colourful designs, a lower price, and an aluminium build may make it an appealing option for students, businesses, and everyday users looking for a simple, reliable laptop.