As Chromebooks and affordable Windows laptops continue to encroach on the entry-level market, the traditionally high-priced Apple , and seems to be preparing to adjust its strategy. Foreign media pointed out that Apple is planning a new low-priced MacBook , focusing on a more affordable price and performance sufficient to meet daily needs, and is expected to debut in 2026.
This MacBook may no longer pursue extreme thinness and lightness or top-notch display technology, but prioritize practicality and battery life, targeting students, the education market, and people who only need documents and audio-visual purposes. From the screen size, processor selection to the possible price range, they all reveal Apple’s attempt to fill the gap in entry-level notebooks, and also make many users who are waiting to rethink whether they should wait before deciding on their next computer.
The affordable MacBook is rumored to be equipped with the A18 Pro chip and is expected to be launched in the first half of the year. The starting price is only an iPad mini?
According to multiple sources compiled by MacRumors, Apple is evaluating the launch of a new MacBook model with a price significantly lower than the current MacBook Air, which is expected to be unveiled as soon as the first half of 2026.
The key reason why this rumor has aroused discussion is that Apple has almost no real “entry Mac” in the past few years. Currently, the cheapest MacBook Air equipped with M4 chips still starts at 32,900 yuan, which is still a high threshold for many students or home users.
The screen size follows a familiar route and does not pursue extreme design.
Judging from the information leaked so far, the screen size of this low-priced MacBook is about 13 inches, which is quite close to the 13.6 inches of the MacBook Air, but may be slightly smaller. This size choice is relatively conservative, but it also meets the actual needs of use, achieving a balance between portability and display space.
As for the thickness of the fuselage, foreign media analysts believe that Apple is unlikely to increase costs in order to be extremely thin and light. After all, ultra-thin designs are often accompanied by more complex engineering and expensive components, which conflicts with the low-price positioning itself. A more realistic consideration is battery space. Shrinking the body usually means limited battery life, and battery life is the key where Apple has the best chance of widening the gap in the affordable laptop market.
Shows a pragmatic approach to technology and does not take a high-end route
In terms of display, this MacBook is expected to use a general LCD screen, without mini LED, HDR or ProMotion high refresh rate. This configuration may seem a little conservative at first glance, but it is actually consistent with Apple’s consistent strategy for entry-level products. Just like the more affordable iPad series, the performance often keeps up, but the screen specifications are obviously different.
▲Image source: Apple (picture is MacBook Air)
Foreign media also speculated that Apple may make differences in appearance design, such as providing more lively colors, and may not even rule out returning to a plastic body to pay tribute to the early MacBook and also help reduce costs.
The rumored colors that may appear include silver, blue, pink and yellow, which are obviously targeted at young people and the education market.
▲AI generated diagram
A-series chips arrive in MacBook for the first time
One of the most eye-catching points is that this low-priced MacBook is rumored to be equipped with the A18 Pro chip, which is the processor first used in the iPhone 16 Pro. This chip uses the second-generation 3nm process, has 8GB of memory and supports Apple Intelligence.
▲Image source: MacRumors
Judging from the running score performance, the single-core performance of A18 Pro is already comparable to some M-series high-end chips, and the multi-core performance even surpasses the M1 used in the first Apple Silicon MacBook Air. For word processing, surfing the Internet, video playback and even simple editing, performance is not an issue at all.
▲Image source: Apple
The usage situation is close to the daily needs of most people
A MacBook equipped with A18 Pro can theoretically do everything that the iPhone 16 Pro can do, just in a macOS environment. This also makes it another entry-level mobile computer option besides “iPad plus keyboard”.
Daily use such as checking information, watching videos, writing reports, editing photos, and even light video editing are all common uses. It can also run games on iPhone and iPad, including Apple Arcade titles, but it’s just not suitable for heavy AAA games or long-term high-load workloads. Professional software like Final Cut Pro can theoretically run, but the output speed cannot be compared with high-end Macs.
▲AI generated diagram
The trade-off between ports and battery life
In order to control costs, the number of connection ports on this MacBook may be quite streamlined. Foreign media speculate that there will be at least one USB-C, and they do not rule out providing two USB-C ports like the MacBook Air. Although it is not luxurious, it is enough for entry-level users. This reminds me of the 12-inch MacBook launched by Apple many years ago.
▲Image source: Apple (picture shows 12-inch MacBook)
Battery life is something worth looking forward to. The A18 Pro itself is known for its high energy efficiency. Coupled with the fact that there is still enough space inside the 13-inch body to configure the battery, the actual performance has the opportunity to match or even surpass the MacBook Air. The latter can currently reach 18 hours in video playback scenarios.
Price is the biggest key
The price has not been finalized yet, but Bloomberg pointed out that the price of the new machine will be “significantly less than $1,000.” Considering that the current MacBook Air starts at US$999 and the 13-inch iPad Air sells for US$799, a low-priced MacBook will be quite competitive if it falls between US$499 and US$799 (approximately NT$15,900 to NT$26,400).
Looking at Apple’s product line, the iPad mini, equipped with A-series chips and priced at NT$15,900, may be an important reference for the pricing of this MacBook.
Release schedule and purchasing recommendations
According to foreign media reports, the low-priced MacBook is expected to be launched in the first half of 2026, which may be close to the update of the new generation MacBook Air. If you currently only need a computer for surfing the Internet, watching TV shows, writing homework, or doing basic work, you may want to wait and see before deciding whether to buy an existing MacBook Air, iPad, or other affordable laptops.
This rumored low-price MacBook is likely to become an important puzzle piece for Apple to fill the entry-level market, and also allow Mac to truly enter the daily lives of more people.
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Source: KOCPC Chinese