In a significant strategic pivot, Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch a more affordable MacBook in the spring of 2026. This move aims to capture the crucial entry-level and mid-range laptop market, particularly appealing to students and first-time buyers in price-sensitive regions like India.
TrendForce Report Confirms Strategic Shift
Market research firm TrendForce has released a new report indicating Apple's plans for a competitively priced 12.9-inch MacBook. The device is positioned clearly below the existing MacBook Air lineup in Apple's portfolio. While specific technical specifications remain under wraps, this announcement aligns with persistent supply chain whispers about a budget-focused Apple laptop designed to widen the brand's appeal.
Power and Compromises: The A18 Pro Chip and Trade-offs
The heart of this new, cost-effective MacBook is expected to be a variant of the Apple A18 Pro chip, the same processor slated for the iPhone 16 Pro models. This chip features a six-core CPU, a six-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Analysts suggest its performance will be roughly on par with Apple's original M1 chip, making it perfectly capable for everyday tasks like web browsing, office applications, and light creative work.
However, to hit a lower price point, Apple will likely make some compromises. The base model may start with just 8GB of RAM, compared to the 16GB minimum in current MacBook Air and Pro models. Furthermore, the A18 Pro chip does not support Thunderbolt technology. This means the laptop would rely on standard USB-C ports, potentially leading to slower data transfer speeds and more limited support for external displays.
Pricing and Market Positioning
In the United States, the new MacBook is anticipated to have a starting price between $599 and $899, with industry watchers pinpointing $699 or $799 as the most likely figures. This would place it firmly below the MacBook Air, which has a official starting price of $999. Such aggressive pricing would allow Apple to eventually phase out the older M1 MacBook Air, which it still sells through third-party retailers at discounts.
For the Indian market, if we extrapolate the US pricing, the new MacBook could potentially start in the range of ₹60,000 to ₹75,000, making it a much more accessible entry point into the Apple ecosystem for millions of students and professionals.
Analyst Insights and Colourful Possibilities
Renowned Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has corroborated these rumours. He was among the first to report on the cheaper MacBook, suggesting it would feature a display around 13 inches and confirm the use of the A18 Pro chip. Interestingly, Kuo also hinted that Apple might offer this laptop in brighter colour options like silver, blue, pink, and yellow, echoing the playful aesthetic of the iMac line, which could further boost its appeal to a younger audience.
This planned launch in Spring 2026 marks one of Apple's most direct attempts to compete in the volume-driven segment of the laptop market. By leveraging its smartphone chip technology and accepting certain trade-offs, Apple is poised to create a new, more accessible gateway product that could significantly alter its market share in key growth regions like India.
