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Can an Affordable MacBook A18 Save You From Overpriced Windows PCs?
Everyone is talking about Apple right now. Rumors say they plan to sell a cheaper MacBook in 2026. This is a big deal because Apple usually sells very expensive computers.
At the same time, Microsoft is having a hard time. Many people are unhappy with Windows 11. They feel it is confusing and full of things they do not need. Because MacBooks are so expensive, people often feel stuck with Windows.
But if Apple sells a laptop for $600 or $700, everything changes.
What the Experts Say
Ben Bajarin, a top technology expert, thinks this is actually good news for Windows users. He believes that if Apple releases a cheap laptop, the companies that make Windows computers (like HP, Dell, and Lenovo) will have to try harder.
They will have to build better computers to compete. This means you might soon get a Windows laptop that looks and feels expensive but costs less money.
Apple’s New Plan: Cheap but Premium
Steve Jobs once said Apple would never sell “junk.” For a long time, they ignored the budget market. But now, Apple needs more people to buy their computers. Their market share is small compared to Windows.
Here is how Apple plans to win:
- The Look: Even a cheap MacBook will likely have a metal body, a great trackpad, and good speakers.
- The Battery: Rumors say it will use the A18 Pro chip (the same brain inside the iPhone). This chip is very efficient, meaning the battery could last all day.
- The Trade-off: To keep the price low, it might be slower than the expensive Pros and likely won’t have a fan. It is for writing and watching movies, not heavy video editing.
The Problem with Current $600 Windows Laptops
Right now, if you buy a $600 Windows laptop, it often feels cheap.
- The body is made of plastic.
- The screen is not very bright.
- The trackpad feels stiff.
- The battery life is usually poor.
Windows computer makers focus on specs (speed and storage) rather than feel (design and build quality). Apple focuses on how the product makes you feel.
Why Windows Makers Are Worried
Apple is a master of marketing. They make people want their products. Windows laptops are often seen as just tools.
If Apple releases a beautiful, colorful laptop for students and casual users, people will naturally want it over a plastic gray Windows PC. This is the “desirability” factor.
However, Windows still has a few advantages:
- Performance: A $600 Windows PC usually has a fan and a stronger processor. It can do real work.
- Gaming: You can play many games on a cheap Windows PC. You cannot do this on a Mac.
- Variety: There are many choices, like the new Surface Laptops that use Snapdragon chips. These are getting better at battery life.
What Microsoft Needs to Do Now
For Windows to survive this new threat, Microsoft needs to fix its software.
- Stop Adding Clutter: Users are tired of new AI features they did not ask for.
- Focus on Speed: Microsoft needs to make Windows 11 run faster and smoother.
- Copy the “Snow Leopard” Moment: Years ago, Apple stopped adding features to macOS and just fixed bugs. It made everyone happy. Microsoft needs to do the same.
The competition is coming. Apple is targeting the $600 market with a laptop that looks great and lasts a long time.
This will force Windows makers to stop building cheap, plastic laptops. They will have to lower prices and improve quality. Whether you prefer Apple or Windows, this rivalry is a win for you. You will soon have better choices for less money.