Rumour: Apple to launch “affordable” MacBook Air

Cupertino could be prepping a $799 version of the skinny laptop to compete with Windows-powered ultrabooks

With ultrabooks proving increasingly popular with the buying public, Apple is reportedly considering unleashing a cheaperMacBook Airto grab a share of the market.

According toDigiTimes, Apple may release a $799 (around £500) MacBook Air in the third quarter of this year, anticipating the launch of $699 Intel-powered ultrabooks. The MacBook Air range currently starts at £849, a premium price tag likely to put off a large section of customers who’d otherwise appreciate the device’s portability and svelte form.

We’ll keep our ears peeled and our eyes close to the ground (or something) and let you know how this rumour develops. In the mean time, would you buy a “cheap” MacBook Air? Do you think Apple’s in danger of damaging its brand image with more affordable gear? Let us know below.

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Dan is Editor-in-chief of Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website. 

Our Editor-in-Chief is a regular at tech shows such as CES in Las Vegas, IFA in Berlin and Mobile World Congress in Barcelona as well as at other launches and events. He has been a CES Innovation Awards judge.

Dan is completely platform agnostic and very at home using and writing about Windows, macOS, Android and iOS/iPadOS plus lots and lots of gadgets including audio and smart home gear, laptops and smartphones.

He’s also been interviewed and quoted in a wide variety of places including The Sun, BBC World Service, BBC News Online, BBC Radio 5Live, BBC Radio 4, Sky News Radio and BBC Local Radio.

Computing, mobile, audio, smart home