Apple is reportedly planning to release a low-cost MacBook in 2026, targeting users who need an affordable alternative to the $999 MacBook Air. The move is seen as Apple’s strategy to compete with budget-friendly Chromebooks and Windows laptops.
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed early details, suggesting the laptop will feature a display close to 13 inches, slightly smaller than the MacBook Air’s 13.6-inch screen. While the design may not be ultra-thin, Apple aims to keep it sleek and portable for everyday use.
The display is expected to use a standard LCD panel without advanced features like mini-LED or ProMotion. Apple may offer a variety of bright colours inspired by the iMac line, including silver, blue, pink, and yellow.
Under the hood, the low-cost MacBook is expected to run Apple’s A18 Pro chip, previously seen in iPhone 16 Pro models. Built on a 3-nanometre process, the A18 Pro supports 8GB RAM and Apple Intelligence. It should deliver performance similar to the M1 MacBook Air for daily tasks and outperform it in some multi-core applications.
The chip can handle browsing, video streaming, document creation, photo editing, and light video editing. Users will also be able to run iPhone and iPad apps, including Apple Arcade games, though graphics-heavy PC games may be challenging.
Apple is reportedly keeping the design simple, likely with one or two USB-C ports and no focus on additional connectivity. Battery life is expected to match the MacBook Air, offering up to 18 hours of video playback or 15 hours of web browsing.
Pricing remains unconfirmed, but reports suggest the MacBook will cost well under $1,000. Comparisons to the 13-inch iPad Air at $799 and the M1 MacBook at $599 suggest the new MacBook could offer a cost-effective option for macOS users.
The launch is expected in the first half of 2026, possibly alongside a MacBook Air refresh. Apple’s new low-cost MacBook may finally provide a compact, capable laptop without the premium price tag.
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