Have you ever dreamt of a MacBook that costs less than the current-gen MacBook Air? A MacBook that even beats some entry-level Windows laptops in markets as competitive as India? A MacBook that’s cheaper than… the latest generation iPhone 16? Rumours suggest that Apple is working on a way to make such a low cost MacBook a reality.
Coming in 2026, this low-cost MacBook will aim to extend the Mac experience to the masses – in a same fashion as the vanilla iPad. In order to keep the prices low, though, Apple will cut some corners here and there, the most significant one being the choice of processor. Instead of Apple’s remarkable M series chips, this low-cost MacBook is likely to rely on the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro.
Yes, you read that right. An iPhone chip powering a MacBook!
Low-cost MacBook with iPhone chip
The A18 Pro, despite being classified as a smartphone chip, is capable of handling laptop-level performance. Users of the iPhone 16 Pro can manage video editing and AAA console gaming with ease. Hence, this chip should be capable enough to look after light workloads usually relegated for entry-level laptops.
This new MacBook is expected to feature a 12.9-inch display, making it slightly more compact than the current 13.6-inch MacBook Air. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests the design will be ultra-thin and lightweight, and it may be available in multiple colours, including Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow. Due to the use of the A18 Pro chip, the new MacBook model is not expected to support Thunderbolt ports and will instead be equipped with standard USB-C ports.
Some rumours suggest that this low-cost MacBook could bring back the previous-gen MacBook Air chassis with the wedge-shaped body and a display with thicker bezels.
Low-cost MacBook to cost…really low
According to the latest rumours, this new MacBook Air could launch as early as late 2025 or early 2026. Industry insiders estimate a price range of $599 to $699. Hence, for less than Rs 60,000, you could have a brand new MacBook offering all of Apple’s goodies at a very accessible price.
Analysts believe this affordable laptop could boost total MacBook sales by 30-40% by attracting budget-conscious consumers and students, who might otherwise purchase a competing Windows laptop or a Chromebook.
