Report claims low-cost 12.9 inch Apple MacBook might not be as cheap as once predicted

The ongoing DRAM pricing fiasco has shaken up consumers and corporations equally. While the end-consumer undoubtedly has had to endure the consequences of the AI hype machine eating up supply, plenty of consumer giants have faced severe short-term issues as well.

12.9-inch MacBook: Not so cheap after all?

Apple is particularly well-known when it comes to mastering supply chains, and has been able to weather through unforeseen component pricing fluctuations pretty well, for the most part. However, according to DigiTimes, the company has begun feeling the heat, and is struggling to adhere to original pricing plans for its upcoming low-cost MacBook.

Expected to arrive early next month during the 3-day long "Apple Experience" event,  the new cheap MacBook will mark Apple's foray into the budget laptop segment, targeting students in particular. The product will be powered by an A-series SoC, likely the A18 Pro with a meagre 8 GB of memory, sport a 12.9 inch display, and ship in a bunch of playful colors. 

Industry pundits had previously hinted at a roughly $599 to $699 price bracket for the MacBook, but considering the current scenario, there appears to be a possibility that Apple may not be able to achieve the aforementioned price. As of right now, a price between $699 and $749 seems to be more likely, as stated by DigiTimes.

Considering that the MacBook Air with the M4 SoC is currently available for just $899 on Amazon, the low-cost MacBook will definitely be a tough sell at $749. The Air sports a much, much faster M4 SoC, twice the memory, as well as a larger display.

That said, Apple might position the product differently, as it once did with the 12-inch MacBook launched back in 2015. That product was also substantially less powerful than the MacBook Pro, which it was sold alongside with at an identical price. With only around a week left to go, Apple enthusiasts definitely won't have to wait long before finding out.