For years now, the best Mac for most people has been the MacBook Air. But that may be about to change, with a revival of the suffix-free ‘MacBook’ coming soon.
Apple’s last ‘MacBook’ tried and failed to dethrone the MacBook Air
The last time Apple launched a new ‘MacBook’ was 2015, and the product clearly seemed aimed at dethroning the MacBook Air.
Like the Air, that new MacBook specialized in being thin and light, it eliminated ports, and it introduced a brand new look set to define the future of Mac design.
But despite gaining some loyal fans, the MacBook never caught on with the general public. Instead, most users preferred to keep buying the cheaper MacBook Air.
In just a few weeks though, Apple reportedly has a brand new MacBook launching once again.
More than a decade after the last MacBook debuted, I think this successor has a much better chance of dethroning the MacBook Air and becoming the new default Mac for most.
New MacBook could prove popular with low price, fun colors, and decent specs
For most people interested in a new computer, whether for school, work, or just personal use, it’s going to be hard to beat the new MacBook.
Partly that’s due to price, with the MacBook expected to cost significantly less than the MacBook Air. Analysts estimate it could be priced around $699 new.
It’s also because of the “fun colors” that will make the device stand out. We’ve seen with the iPhone 17 Pro’s Cosmic Orange how much colors can drive sales.
But mostly, it’s because the MacBook will do all the things that most people are looking for:
- basic web browsing
- messaging
- word processing, spreadsheets, slides
- and other common computing tasks
The MacBook’s deep integration with the iPhone will be another key selling point, particularly for iPhone owners who currently use a PC or Chromebook.
Apple’s A18 Pro chip with an expected 8GB of RAM may prove insufficient for some, but I doubt any “average consumer” will find it problematic.
It’s pretty simple: if you can get a MacBook that’s the most affordable by far, comes in fun colors, and will do everything you want—why would you choose anything else?
If you’re a longtime Mac user, and especially if you consider yourself a “power user,” the upcoming MacBook probably won’t be the computer for you.
But for everyone else? The MacBook could prove hard to resist.
Do you expect the new MacBook to prove popular? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.
Best Mac accessories
- AirPods Pro 3 (limited-time $229 price)
- 100W USB-C power adapter for fast charging
- tomtoc protective MacBook sleeve bag
- Twelve South aluminum laptop stand for MacBooks
- Anker Docking Station USB-C with Ethernet, HDMI, SD, more
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
