LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Apple is in the process of developing an affordable MacBook series designed to rival Chromebook models in the education sector.
According to a recent report from Taiwan, the launch of these new laptops is anticipated as early as the second half of 2024.
DigiTimes, drawing from industry insiders, suggests that Apple intends to introduce this product line to distinguish it from the company’s existing MacBook Air and Pro lines.
While the external design will still feature a metal casing, it will utilize “different materials,” and the mechanical components will be cost-effective.
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The expected launch timeframe for this purported MacBook series is based on a lack of observable activity among major Apple suppliers like Quanta Computer and Foxconn, making a debut in the first half of the following year less likely.
DigiTimes Research reveals that Chromebook shipments have experienced significant growth, with over 13.9 million units shipped in 2019, surpassing 30.4 million in 2020, and reaching 33.5 million in 2021.
This underscores the popularity of Google’s affordable laptops, particularly in the education sector, especially during and following the global pandemic.
Although Chromebook shipments have tapered off since the end of lockdowns, they continue to surpass pre-COVID levels.
The adoption of Chromebooks by educational institutions has also witnessed rapid expansion in recent years, outpacing sales of Apple’s iPads, which have struggled to gain traction in the education market.
This represents the first rumour suggesting that Apple is actively working on a new MacBook series priced lower than its premium offerings.
Consequently, it’s advisable to exercise caution until further validation from other sources emerges.