Apple(US:AAPL) Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-01-07 01:45Core Viewpoint - Apple is set to launch its first low-cost MacBook in spring, featuring a 12.9-inch screen and the A18 Pro chip, similar to that of the iPhone 16 Pro, aiming to penetrate the entry-level lightweight laptop market [1][2][4] Product Specifications - The A18 Pro chip is built on TSMC's second-generation 3nm process, featuring a 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU, and a 16-core neural engine, with performance close to the original M1 chip [1][6] - The new MacBook will have a passive cooling design, a thickness of 11.3mm, and a weight of approximately 1.24kg, replicating the lightweight characteristics of the discontinued 12-inch MacBook [1][6] - It will include only one standard USB-C port, lack Thunderbolt support, and have a starting memory of 8GB that is non-expandable, with storage starting at 128GB [1][6] Market Positioning - The new MacBook targets budget-conscious students, entry-level professionals, and potential users wanting to experience the macOS ecosystem, with a price range of $599 to $899, and an estimated starting price in China of 4999 yuan [2][7] - Apple's strategy aims to expand its ecosystem by offering a low-cost entry point, as the global PC market is dominated by Windows at 71.1%, while macOS holds only 10.08% market share, indicating significant growth potential [4][7] Competitive Impact - The new MacBook is expected to attract 10%-15% of entry-level lightweight laptop users from the Windows camp, particularly among students and young professionals [4][8] - While it may not disrupt the Windows market fundamentally, the new MacBook's advantages in macOS and Apple Intelligence integration could create ripples in the PC market [8]