# Budget Student Laptops Apple Plans To Double Production Of Its Lower-Cost Laptop In 2027 By Ellen Smith | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-11-06 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/budget-student-laptops References: [macrumors](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/11/05/macbook-neo-shipments-expected-to-double-in-2027)  Apple is reportedly planning to make 16 million MacBook Neo laptops in 2027, twice the number expected this year. Launched in March 2026, the MacBook Neo is a [more affordable option](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asus-vivobook-14se-and-16se) for people who want an Apple laptop without paying for one of the more expensive models. Apple increased the starting price to $699 in June, but students and education staff can still get $100 off. A new version is also reportedly planned for 2027, with an updated processor and more memory to help it handle everyday tasks. The production target suggests Apple expects the [lower-priced laptop](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hp-fortis-chromebooks) to become a bigger part of its computer range. Keeping the [education discount](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laptops-for-students) could also help it appeal to students and schools, where affordability is often an important factor when choosing a laptop. Image Credit: MacRumors, Apple ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.7/10 - Popularity: 56% | Activity: 44% | Freshness: 100% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/computers) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Affordable Premium Computing:** Lower-priced flagship-adjacent laptops create space for premium brands to reach cost-sensitive buyers without fully diluting their higher-end product ecosystems. - **Education-first Device Pricing:** Student and staff discounts strengthen demand for accessible hardware in classrooms where institutional budgets and personal affordability shape purchasing decisions. - **Entry-level Performance Upgrades:** Improved processors and memory in budget laptops narrow the gap between basic and premium devices, reshaping expectations for everyday computing value. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Consumer Electronics:** Expanded production of lower-cost laptops signals a shift toward higher-volume premium-accessible devices within competitive personal computing markets. - **Education Technology:** Affordable Apple laptops support broader digital learning adoption as schools balance brand preference, device reliability, and budget constraints. - **Computer Manufacturing:** Scaling output for budget-oriented models highlights opportunities in supply chain efficiency, component optimization, and diversified product tiering. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Performance-Focused Laptop Upgrades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/macbook-air-m5.md) - [AI Desktop Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mac-neo.md) - [Premium Price-Conscious Laptops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acer-swift-air-14.md) - [On-Device AI Laptop Lineups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/latest-macbook-pro-models.md) - [Smartphone Chip-Powered Laptops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/macbook-neo.md) - [Mini Desktop Performance Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mac-mini-trends.md) - [Modular Laptop Chip Advancements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/m5-pro-and-m5-max.md) - [High-End Touchscreen Laptops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-end-touchscreen-laptops.md)