Apple is reportedly preparing a new, more affordable 12.9-inch MacBook featuring its A18 Pro chip, with a possible release in spring 2026. The entry-level notebook would sit below the MacBook Air in pricing and is expected to launch by March or April.
Entry-Level MacBook Aimed at Wider Market
According to research firm TrendForce, Apple is targeting the entry-to-mid-range laptop segment with the new MacBook, positioning it competitively in price to attract cost-sensitive buyers.
TrendForce’s report aligns with previous supply-chain and analyst rumors that suggested Apple would release a more budget-friendly MacBook this year.
A18 Pro Chip — iPhone Silicon in a Mac
The upcoming MacBook is expected to be powered by Apple’s A18 Pro chip — the same system-on-chip used in the iPhone 16 Pro series. The A18 Pro integrates a 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, delivering performance roughly comparable to Apple’s earlier M1 silicon.
While not as powerful as the latest M-series chips, this A-series processor is considered capable of everyday computing tasks. The chip’s architecture may help Apple balance performance and cost for an entry-level notebook.
Price Range and Market Positioning
In the U.S., the new 12.9-inch MacBook is expected to start between $599 and $899, with analysts pronouncing around $699 or $799 as likely price points. This would put it below the current MacBook Air, which starts at $999 in Apple’s lineup.
The pricing strategy mirrors previous industry reports that Apple has been planning an affordable MacBook model to broaden its laptop market share by competing with entry-level Chromebooks and Windows notebooks.
Design and Specs Expectations
Reports suggest the 12.9-inch model would have a slightly smaller screen than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air, helping keep costs down while retaining a laptop form factor.
However, the notebook may include some trade-offs typical of more budget-oriented devices. These could include:
- 8 GB of base RAM, compared with higher minimums on existing MacBook Air and Pro models.
Rumored Timing and Next Steps
With TrendForce pointing to a spring 2026 arrival, Apple may unveil the 12.9-inch MacBook alongside other refreshed laptops early in the year.
This model would follow years of speculation and earlier supply-chain leaks about a more affordable Apple notebook and could represent the company’s attempt to expand its Mac ecosystem into lower price segments.
