A new, affordable MacBook appears to be on the verge of becoming a reality. After years of rumors, several consistent reports from the Asian supply chain are now painting a clearer picture. Apple is reportedly planning an entry-level model that will be priced below the MacBook Air and will utilize iPhone hardware. The display size, chip selection, and clear focus on price-conscious buyers are particularly interesting.
The starting point for the current reports is a new assessment from the market research company TrendForce. In a press release, TrendForce stated that Apple plans to launch a new 12.9-inch MacBook in spring 2026. The device is intended to specifically target the entry-level to mid-range market and will be offered at a competitive price. While TrendForce itself provides few technical details, the information aligns with rumors circulating from other sources for some time.
Classification and market strategy
The new MacBook is expected to be positioned clearly below the MacBook Air. In the US, a starting price between $599 and $899 is anticipated. Prices of $699 or $799 are considered particularly realistic. This would allow Apple to tap into a segment that is currently only indirectly served, for example, by older models or limited-time discounts.
For comparison: The MacBook Air officially starts at $999, but is often available for less in stores. Nevertheless, the entry barrier remains relatively high for many users. A new, more affordable MacBook would close this gap and round out Apple's notebook portfolio at the lower end.
A18 Pro as the core
Technically, the new MacBook is expected to be equipped with a variant of the A18 Pro chip. This chip is also used in the iPhone 16 Pro. The known specifications of the A18 Pro include a 6-core CPU, a 6-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine.
In terms of performance, the chip is roughly on par with the M1. This would make the new MacBook fast enough for everyday tasks such as browsing, office work, studying, and media consumption. In practice, it could replace the earlier MacBook Air with the M1 chip, which Apple still sells occasionally through retail partners and which was even available for under $600 at one point.
Storage and ports
To achieve the low price, some limitations are to be expected. The MacBook will likely only come standard with 8 GB of RAM. All current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, on the other hand, start with at least 16 GB of RAM.
Compromises are also likely regarding the ports. The A18 Pro does not support Thunderbolt. Accordingly, the MacBook will probably only have standard USB-C ports. These offer lower data transfer rates and are more limited when using external monitors. This is sufficient for typical everyday use, but less than ideal for professional applications.
Display size and external appearance
While early rumors suggested a display size of around 13 inches, a screen size of 12.9 inches has recently emerged as the likely candidate. This size is already familiar from various iPad Air and iPad Pro models. The MacBook Air remains slightly larger at 13.6 inches.
The well-known Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo was the first to report on the more affordable MacBook. Back in June, he spoke of a new laptop with an A18 Pro chip and mentioned possible color options such as silver, blue, pink, and yellow. This would allow Apple to make the device significantly more colorful than the classic MacBooks.
Later, the Taiwanese industry publication DigiTimes also exclusively reported that Apple was planning a 12.9-inch display. This information now aligns with TrendForce's assessment.
Similar to the previous 12-inch MacBook
The new MacBook could resemble the discontinued 12-inch MacBook in many ways. These include a particularly thin design, light weight, and a focus on maximum portability. The previous model failed primarily due to its weak performance and comparatively high price. With modern Apple Silicon technology and a clear budget focus, these weaknesses could now be avoided.
A new entry-level MacBook with a clear focus
The planned 12.9-inch MacBook is shaping up to be a deliberately simple entry-level device. A low price, solid performance on par with the M1 processor, and a lightweight design are clearly the priorities. Limitations in RAM and ports are part of the concept. Should Apple unveil the device as expected in March or April 2026, it could offer many users an attractive and up-to-date entry into the MacBook world for the first time in a long while. (Image: Shutterstock / Chikena)
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