Apple could soon make a strategic move into the affordable laptop segment with a new, non-flagship MacBook expected to launch in 2026. According to a recent research note shared by market intelligence firm TrendForce, the long-rumoured device is likely to debut in spring next year and will sit below the MacBook Air in Apple’s current lineup.
The upcoming MacBook is said to feature a 12.9-inch display, which would make it the smallest MacBook Apple has ever released. Currently, that title belongs to the 13-inch MacBook Air. The display size is reportedly similar to panels used in select iPad Air and iPad Pro models, suggesting Apple may reuse existing components to keep costs under control.
TrendForce notes that the device will target the entry-to-mid-range laptop segment, an area dominated by Windows-based competitors. Key components were earlier expected to enter mass production in the third quarter of 2025, with full-scale assembly beginning before the end of the year. If the timeline holds, the laptop could arrive between March and May 2026.
The research firm also points out that supply chain efficiencies, economies of scale, and aggressive pricing could allow Apple to sustain healthy shipment volumes, even in a highly competitive and price-sensitive category.
In terms of performance, the low-cost MacBook is rumoured to be powered by the A18 Pro chipset—the same processor used in the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The chip reportedly includes a six-core CPU, six-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, offering performance comparable to the original M1-powered MacBook Air. The device is expected to ship with 8GB of RAM as standard.
To maintain a lower price point, Apple may scale back on certain features. Reports suggest the laptop could skip Thunderbolt support and instead rely on basic USB Type-C ports, resulting in slower data transfer speeds and limited external display support compared to higher-end MacBooks.
Like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, the affordable MacBook is also expected to be available in multiple bright colour options. These could include blue, silver, pink, and yellow, giving buyers more visual variety in the budget segment.
Pricing is tipped to start between $699 (roughly Rs. 63,000) and $799 (roughly Rs. 72,000) in the US. If accurate, this would undercut the entry-level MacBook Air by as much as $300 (around Rs. 27,000), making it Apple’s most accessible MacBook yet.
If these details materialise, the low-cost MacBook could signal a notable shift in Apple’s strategy—bringing macOS to a broader audience while directly challenging affordable laptops from rival brands.