I’ve been using Windows for as long as I can remember. My dad is something of a Windows loyalist (he inspired my love of computers!) and I guess you could say I inherited it from him. Even though I’ve always been a Windows stan, I can’t help but notice what Apple’s doing over there just beyond the fence.

Apple is rumored to be planning a $599 MacBook. Unthinkable, right? This would be a first in Apple’s history, as the company has never placed a MacBook squarely in the budget category from the start. Supposedly, it’s packing the same A18 Pro chip inside the iPhone 16 Pro. That’s why everyone’s unofficially calling it the “A18 Pro MacBook.”

This bit of news is exciting and also eroding my loyalty, as it’s got me questioning which side I’m really on: macOS or Windows. Am I really a traitor to the realm?

Oh, Windows, you’re my home (to the tune of Dirty Water)

I thrive on routine and familiarity. Since I learned the Windows interface early on, it’s basically baked into my muscle memory–that’s hard to undo. For years I balked and hissed at anything macOS because it was different and that freaked me out, but as I got older, I’m starting to change my tune.

But herein lies the problem. As much as Windows feels like home, MacBooks are downright gorgeous–the minimalist aesthetic really sings to me. But the one thing that always barred me from purchasing one was the high price. Apple laptops were beautiful, but exclusive and that’s kind of part of their identity, isn’t it? But with a $599 MacBook (possibly) on the horizon, the temptation is more real than ever.

If this MacBook does indeed come with an A18 Pro chip, I’m not expecting it to break any benchmarking records–that’s not the point. It’s designed for those who have straightforward needs (like me!). In theory, it should be able to handle all the stuff I normally do on my laptop (like writing, editing, and so on). If those specs end up being true, Macworld predicts it may perform like the MacBook Air M1–that’s more than enough processing power for my daily grind.

Another perk is the A18’s efficiency. Since it was originally designed for iPhones, it probably doesn’t consume as much power as the M-series chip. This could (potentially!) translate to great battery life, though we can’t say for sure until we’ve tried out the machine ourselves.

MacBooks are the bewitching sirens of the laptop world

There’s nothing quite like the experience of opening an Apple product for the first time. From the all-white boxes to the sleek and minimalist product tucked deep inside, Apple definitely wants to send a clear message here, that message being…

We’re the cool kids and no, you can’t sit with us.

It isn’t hard to fall in love with a MacBook. They look elegant as hell and they’re known to last for years, but they were always so damn expensive. Back in college, a MacBook was way out of my budget–I remember secretly envying my friend who strutted around with the latest model. It was the same feeling as being denied a spot at the popular kid’s table.

I’m not the only one, either. Simplicity is in and it’s definitely here to stay. Just look for any laptop roundup on the web and you’ll find sleek, featherlight machines everywhere. 

But buying a MacBook and loving the look of one are two entirely different things. Beauty was always paired with a hefty price tag… until now.

$599? Now we’re talking

The major highlight here is Apple breaking into the budget category with a $599 MacBook.

MacBooks have always been pricey, as they’re built with nice materials that last for years. Plus, Apple markets them like they’re dipped in (rose) gold or something, which only makes them feel fancier. But by lowering the price tag, Apple’s opening the door to students and other budget-conscious buyers. This is great news, especially given this country’s (ahem) current economic situation. 

If this MacBook really does cost $599, then that’s a steep drop from Apple’s usual starting price of $999. That shift makes it possible for people who were priced out before (like me!).

Apple can likely price this MacBook so low because of the rumored A18 chip inside. While not as powerful as the M-series chips, which you’ll find inside the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro, the A18 should breeze through everyday tasks. But the chip is just one part of a larger narrative.

Apple might be feeling pressure from Chromebooks and other budget-friendly Windows laptops, which totally rule the schools. Many of them are competitively priced too, falling somewhere between $500 and $700. This puts the new A18 Pro MacBook in direct competition. And with everyone keeping a close eye on their wallet these days, this might be the perfect way to break into that space.

Instead of Apple being the unattainable brand, a brand only some folks could afford, it’s suddenly much more approachable. Of course, affordability comes with your typical trade-offs. As far as raw power goes, I don’t expect it to outperform a laptop with an M2 chip or a high-end Windows laptop. But for things like word processing and web browsing, it should be nothing but smooth sailing.

But price isn’t everything. A cheap MacBook is tempting, sure, but switching over from a Windows device has other challenges I’d have to tango with.

My tiny worry

My one fear is switching to a MacBook and then regretting it. Maybe I won’t adapt well to macOS because I’m too accustomed to Windows, it’s just too deep in my bones at this point. I’d have to learn all new shortcuts and see if my daily routines even work on macOS. Part of me also feels like I’d be betraying my own identity–I mean, I’ve been a Windows user forever, and switching to macOS? Yeah… feels weird.

Of course, the A18 probably won’t outperform the M-series MacBooks when it comes to 3D modeling or heavy video editing. But for my personal daily workflow? That’s plenty of power. Of course, that makes it even harder to resist. Ugh.

But this isn’t just about my own personal struggles with loyalty and identity, it’s about Apple shifting its entire approach.

Why this matters

I know I’m not the only one tempted by a $599 MacBook, and it could ignite a shift in operating system loyalty. Who knows, Windows users like me might actually start reconsidering.

On top of that, it might raise the bar for budget laptops in general. Apple’s got a reputation for reliable hardware, and if they can pull that off in a cheaper MacBook, other brands are going to have to step it up too. 

And let’s be honest: most people are watching their wallets right now. Dropping a MacBook into the same price bracket as Chromebooks and cheap Windows laptops? That’s some spot-on timing right there. This is a way for Apple to rub shoulders with price-conscious buyers (like students, for instance).

It’s not just about me and my little identity crisis, though. A $599 MacBook could flip the whole operation, so to speak. That leaves me with the big, existential question…

Where I’m landing on all this

Could I really see myself dumping a Windows laptop for a MacBook? Eh, maybe. But if Apple really does drop a $599 MacBook, let’s just say my loyalty is flimsier than I thought. Life is full of surprises, yeah? 

Assuming Apple follows through with the $599 A18 MacBook, the arrival of such a machine would definitely shake things up, for sure. It won’t just tempt me on a personal level, but it could inspire a similar identity crisis in others. But until we get the official 411 from Apple, I suppose it’s (mostly) just speculation. Still, watching a brand go from unattainable to attainable is freaking wild.

Author: Ashley Biancuzzo, Associate Editor, PCWorld