A new leak from Weibo suggests that Apple’s upcoming budget notebook could launch without some expected features. According to the post and other online sources, the reportedly sub-$1,000 device could potentially miss out on True Tone display support, fast charging, and a backlit keyboard.
The 12.9-inch model would target the price range that Apple hasn’t seriously addressed since the M1 MacBook Air. However, to achieve this lower price, buyers may have to make real compromises.
The information also suggests a lack of support for high-impedance headphones and slower SSD storage than the MacBook Air and Pro.
Display and loading are downgraded
The screen and power supply could have the biggest impact. This budget MacBook reportedly doesn’t support True Tone, the feature that adjusts the display color based on ambient light.
In addition, the driver for fast charging is missing. Compared to other modern models, you wait longer for a full battery.
The brightness can also decrease. While the MacBook Air has a 500-nit panel, this model could settle for something lower.
The sound is also shortened. The leak suggests that high-impedance headphones will not be supported, a feature that audiophiles use with professional gear.
WiFi and storage speed take a back seat
Inside, Apple could do without its own wireless components. The leak instead suggests a MediaTek Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, the same one found in the base iPad.
This shift could impact connectivity, but will likely help keep costs down.
Storage also seems slower. The SSD read and write speeds would lag behind those of the Air and Pro. Most configurations are available in 256GB and 512GB, with a possible 128GB option for education buyers.
The keyboard backlight can be lost, making it difficult to work in dim light. And while 8GB of RAM meets Apple Intelligence requirements, the rest of the package feels pared down.
What to look out for in March
Apple has not confirmed any of this and the leak brings with it many uncertainties. The information comes from Weibo and other sources, so skepticism makes sense. But the timing matches rumors of an early March event.
The company is reportedly hosting a “special Apple Experience” on March 4 in London, New York and Shanghai. If there’s a cheap MacBook, we’ll probably see it there, possibly with an iPhone 17e.
If you want to buy a laptop, you should wait until the beginning of March. Either Apple announces something new or this leak disappears.
