First Affordable Apple MacBook Arrives in 2026, Details Leaked
Apple tests a new cheap MacBook to rival Windows PCs and Chromebooks. A-series chip, smaller display, and new design expected.
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According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is planning to introduce a budget-friendly MacBook during the first half of 2026. This move is aimed at drawing users from the Chromebook and low-end Windows laptop categories.
The gadget, which is yet to be given a formal name, is in the phase of internal testing, and the production on the international scale has already begun. Experts predict the price to be set under that of the M4 MacBook Air, which is currently priced at $999.
Up to now, the entry-level laptop market has been a no-go area for Apple. Instead, the company’s strategy has been to sell iPads or outdated MacBooks to those who cannot afford a new premium device. For instance, in 2024, the tech giant even partnered with retail chain Walmart to let people purchase the M1 MacBook Air for $699. They later lowered the price to $599. The M1 MacBook Air was released in November 2020 with 8GB of RAM but does not support Apple Intelligence and hence has been removed from the list of actively marketed products.
There are even rumors that this new low-cost MacBook will be powered by an A-series processor instead of the higher-performance M-series used in modern MacBooks. Though the first rumors pointed to the upcoming A18 Pro chip, the A19 Pro from Apple is now in the iPhone 17 Pro, casting uncertainty on the exact chipset to be used. However, Gurman opines that any A-series chip being included would still be faster than the older M1.
Apple's new laptop will be more affordable than the current MacBook models but it will not compromise on the quality of the components used. One of the main features of the screen is that it will have an LCD panel that is slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch display of the MacBook Air. Also, it is reported that the device will have a completely new design that will make it stand out from previous models.
Apple's tentatively higher market share through lower-cost devices is legitimate as the company has already claimed a 10% rise in revenue from Mac sales in Q4 2025. The new product is aimed at the majority of users who do not have demanding working conditions but require a laptop for productivity, internet surfing, and light content creation.
