Apple is reportedly preparing to introduce a new budget-friendly MacBook in spring 2026, powered by the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro series and aimed at entry-level buyers, students, and those seeking an affordable entry into the macOS ecosystem.
According to a recent report from market research firm TrendForce, the device will feature a 12.9-inch display and competitive pricing to target the mid-range market, potentially challenging Chromebooks and lower-cost Windows laptops. This aligns with earlier supply chain rumours and predictions from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
The newest addition to the MacBook lineup is expected to sit below the current MacBook Air in Apple’s lineup, which starts at $999 (although you may often find it discounted further on third-party retailers). It will not replace existing models but will coexist alongside upcoming M5-equipped MacBook Air and Pro variants planned for early 2026.
Affordable A18 Pro MacBook key specifications and features
The rumoured MacBook will utilise a variant of the A18 Pro chip, featuring a six-core CPU, six-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. Benchmarks suggest its performance is comparable to Apple’s original M1 chip, making it suitable for everyday tasks such as web browsing, office productivity, streaming, and light creative work.
To achieve a lower price point — estimated between $599 and $899, with $699 as the likely starting price — the device includes several compromises:
– Base RAM of 8GB (versus 16GB minimum in current Air and Pro models).
– Standard USB-C ports without Thunderbolt support, limiting data transfer speeds and external display capabilities.
– A standard LCD display, without advanced features like mini-LED or ProMotion.
On the design front, the laptop is said to offer vibrant colour options, including silver, blue, pink, and yellow, reminiscent of the iMac’s playful palette.
MacBook A18 Pro market positioning
This budget MacBook represents Apple’s push to broaden its appeal in the entry-level segment, where it currently relies on discounted older models like the M1 MacBook Air.
By using an iPhone-class chip, Apple can reduce costs while delivering solid efficiency and performance. The move could help phase out legacy devices and attract price-sensitive consumers.
