Apple may finally be preparing to enter the affordable laptop segment with a new low-cost MacBook, according to a recent report from market research firm TrendForce. The device is expected to launch in spring 2026, potentially between March and May, and could significantly undercut the pricing of the MacBook Air.
If the report proves accurate, this new MacBook would mark Apple’s most budget-friendly laptop offering to date, targeting students, first-time Mac users, and value-focused buyers.
12.9-Inch Display Could Be the Smallest MacBook Yet
The upcoming low-cost MacBook is rumored to feature a 12.9-inch display, making it the smallest-screen MacBook currently available. For comparison, Apple’s existing smallest MacBook, the MacBook Air, comes with a 13-inch display.
This screen size aligns closely with Apple’s iPad Air and iPad Pro lineup, suggesting Apple may be leveraging existing display supply chains to keep production costs low.
Powered by iPhone 16 Pro’s A18 Pro Chip
One of the most interesting aspects of the rumored MacBook is its processor. The laptop is expected to run on the A18 Pro chipset, the same chip powering the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The A18 Pro reportedly features
- Hexa-core CPU
- Hexa-core GPU
- 16-core Neural Engine
This configuration is comparable to the original M1 chip used in earlier MacBook Air models, indicating that performance should be more than sufficient for everyday tasks such as browsing, productivity, content consumption, and light creative work.
The device is also rumored to ship with 8GB of RAM as standard.
Simplified Ports and Features to Cut Costs
To maintain an aggressive price point, Apple may remove certain premium features. Reports suggest the low-cost MacBook could lack Thunderbolt support, instead offering standard USB Type-C ports with limited data transfer speeds and restricted external display capabilities.
This trade-off would allow Apple to keep manufacturing costs down while still delivering a capable macOS experience.
Color Options and Design Choices
Similar to the MacBook Air lineup, the budget MacBook may be available in multiple bright color options, including
- Blue
- Silver
- Pink
- Yellow
These colorways suggest Apple is aiming for a younger, more casual audience rather than professionals.
Expected Price and Market Positioning
In terms of pricing, the low-cost MacBook is expected to start between $699 and $799 in the US (approximately ₹63,000 to ₹72,000 in India). If launched at this price, it would undercut the base MacBook Air by as much as $300, making it Apple’s most accessible Mac laptop.
TrendForce notes that Apple could rely on supply chain efficiencies and economies of scale to sustain strong shipment volumes and compete more effectively in the entry-to-mid-range laptop market.
If Apple launches this low-cost MacBook as rumored, it could reshape the affordable laptop segment by bringing macOS and Apple silicon performance to a much broader audience. While some premium features may be missing, the combination of a compact design, an A18 Pro chipset, and aggressive pricing could make it one of Apple’s most popular laptops yet.
As always, official details are still awaited, but the 2026 launch window is shaping up to be an important milestone for Apple’s Mac lineup.
