Apple has a new ‘MacBook’ coming soon, and based on the latest rumors, it sounds like all of the problems that plagued the previously discontinued model will be addressed.
The last ‘MacBook’ was beloved by some, but had serious flaws
The last time Apple introduced a brand new ‘MacBook’ to join the existing Air and Pro models was 2015.
The 12-inch MacBook was hailed by Apple as “the future of the notebook.” Its official tagline: “The Notebook Reinvented.”
Apple’s MacBook was ultra thin and light, had a beautiful Retina display, and did look and feel in many ways like the future.
But that MacBook is widely remembered more for its flaws than its triumphs.
For example, it featured:
- the unreliable butterfly keyboard that plagued Apple laptops for years
- underpowered Intel Core M processor
- single USB-C port (that was also for charging)
- poor battery life compared to MacBook Air
And all of these issues came with a premium $1,299 price tag that exceeded the MacBook Air at the time.
The MacBook was, by all appearances, supposed to be the successor to the MacBook Air. But ultimately, despite being beloved by some, most users rejected the MacBook in favor of the “old” MacBook Air.
Why Apple’s new ‘MacBook’ will be different
The upcoming revival of the MacBook sounds like it has a very different goal for Apple.
Rather than being “the future of the notebook,” Apple is instead making the Mac more accessible. The likely target customer is an iPhone user with a PC, Chromebook, or no personal computer at all.
But thanks to lessons learned, Apple silicon, and technology advancements, this new 12.9-inch MacBook shouldn’t have any of the same flaws as its predecessor.
Mac keyboards have been solid since the last butterfly model died off. I don’t expect anything different from the new MacBook.
Apple silicon is powerful enough that even an iPhone-class A18 Pro chip should prove more than sufficient for the average user.
I suspect the new MacBook will offer at least two USB-C ports, or perhaps one plus a MagSafe charger. In any case, it should be a better situation than last time—in part due to USB-C being far more popular today than it was in 2015.
And finally, Apple has already proven that it can make ultra-thin devices with surprisingly great battery life. We can thank Apple silicon for that.
All of these improvements, plus a price tag rumored to be around $699—several hundred dollars less than the MacBook Air.
The new MacBook won’t have the futuristic, premium shine of its predecessor. But based on the latest rumors, it should easily be a better overall computer.
Are you interested in Apple’s forthcoming new MacBook? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.
Best Mac accessories
- AirPods Pro 3 (now only $209, down from $249)
- 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
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