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Apple is reportedly working on a new MacBook, slated for release in 2026 below the MacBook Air. The device is expected to be significantly cheaper than current models, feature a new design, and, for the first time, utilize iPhone Silicon. The goal is to reach a customer base that desires a MacBook but is unwilling to pay the usual entry-level prices. The key will be whether Apple strikes the right balance between price, performance, and features.
For years, the MacBook Air has been considered the most affordable Mac notebook, yet even this model typically costs over $999 (around €1,099 in Germany). A new budget MacBook would represent an unusual move for Apple, targeting a segment previously dominated by inexpensive Windows laptops or iPads. The idea is to appeal to people who prefer the convenience of a traditional laptop but still want an affordable Apple device. Initial reports indicate that Apple is taking this market seriously and is planning a completely new model, not simply a recycled version of an older MacBook.
Key specifications and expectations
The new MacBook is expected to have an LCD display that is slightly smaller than the current 13.6-inch panel of the MacBook Air. It will likely be available in several colors, including silver, blue, pink, and yellow. This would visually target a younger, broader audience.
Inside, the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro is expected to power the MacBook. This would be the first time Apple has equipped a MacBook with iPhone Silicon. Despite this unusual choice, the performance should be more than sufficient for everyday tasks such as browsing, office work, streaming, or light creative work. At the same time, Apple is saving significantly on costs compared to the usual M chips.
Rumors suggest 8 GB of RAM. That's less than the 16 GB that has become typical in current MacBook models. However, at an entry-level price, that would be an understandable compromise. The only question is how significant the price advantage will actually be in the end.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts 5 to 7 million units sold in 2026. This would bring the Mac segment back to pre-COVID-19 sales figures of around 25 million devices per year. This budget model could then account for approximately 20 percent of total MacBook sales.
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg also reports that Apple aims to attract potential iPad buyers with the new MacBook. These are people who are looking for an affordable device but ultimately prefer a classic laptop layout.
Will the budget MacBook be successful?
Whether the new model will be a success depends primarily on the price. Apple's target figures suggest that the starting price could be between $600 and $700. That would be very attractive for a new MacBook. However, if the price is set closer to $800, the device immediately loses relevance, as MacBook Air models regularly land in this price range. For example, the M4 MacBook Air currently retails for around $749. At the same time, the M1 MacBook Air is offered by Walmart—only in the US—for $599 and appears to be selling well.
This presents Apple with a clear challenge. The new MacBook must be affordable enough not to cannibalize sales of the Air line, yet powerful enough to remain a worthwhile laptop purchase. A completely new design, as confirmed by Gurman, could make a significant difference.
If the compromises remain manageable and the price is right, this device could fill a real gap in the lineup. It could be particularly attractive for buyers who find an iPad too limited but don't want to pay the high price of a MacBook Air.
Why the new 2026 MacBook could become so important
The planned budget MacBook is among the most interesting Apple projects for 2026. A new design, an affordable entry price, and the unusual combination of a MacBook chassis and the A18 Pro chip make this device an important step in Apple's strategy to reach new customer groups. As long as Apple doesn't set the price too high, the chances are good that this model will be successful. According to current estimates, the unveiling is expected in the first half of next year. Soon we'll see whether Apple actually creates a new crowd-pleaser with this new entry-level MacBook. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Alberto Fava)
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