David Bridges
The demand for an affordable MacBook is more pressing than ever before. It’s important to recognize that the latest high-performance laptop chips are often excessive for the average user’s computing needs. With many individuals navigating the web on smartphones priced between $200 and $400—significantly less than the entry-level MacBook Air—it makes perfect sense for Apple to consider integrating a mobile chip into a laptop design. Recent rumors have emerged indicating that Apple may be on the verge of launching this budget-friendly MacBook model before the year concludes.
According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, known for his insights into upcoming Apple products, there is a strong possibility that the company is developing a more economical MacBook. A report from DigiTimes Asia, referenced by MacRumors, has further substantiated these rumors. The report, which cites unnamed supply chain sources, suggests that a 12.9-inch MacBook is in the pipeline, potentially debuting later this year. What’s more exciting is the expected price range of $600 to $700, significantly lower than the current MacBook Air M4. The anticipated lower cost is attributed to the use of an A-series mobile chip, likely the A18 Pro found in the iPhone 16 Pro, rather than the more powerful M-series silicon.
The upcoming MacBook is expected to have a slightly reduced size compared to the MacBook Air, featuring a 13.6-inch display. If Apple successfully launches this affordable MacBook, it is anticipated for release towards the end of the year. Recent speculations from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggest that Apple might delay its next MacBook Pro models until 2026. Introducing a budget-friendly MacBook could effectively bridge the gap in their release schedule. Meanwhile, Apple’s current lineup of iPads showcases a similar strategy, with devices like the iPad mini equipped with the A17 Pro chip and the iPad Air and iPad Pro featuring M-series silicon. This approach could logically extend to their laptop offerings as well.
The current entry-level iPhone, the iPhone 16e, lacks several modern features found in newer iPhones, such as the Dynamic Island and wireless MagSafe charging. Likewise, the anticipated budget MacBook will likely come equipped with a basic IPS LCD panel and a limited selection of I/O ports. Users can expect lower resolutions similar to those of earlier Intel-powered MacBooks, including the discontinued 12-inch model. Regardless of its specifications, the primary appeal of this new MacBook will be its affordability, allowing users to experience the new macOS 26 features alongside practical tools like AirDrop and access to iMessage. The latest A18 chips utilize a 3nm process, making them exceptionally fast and energy-efficient. For everyday tasks that don’t involve high-end gaming or demanding rendering applications, such mobile chips are likely to deliver satisfactory performance.
While tech enthusiasts meticulously analyze the subtle differences between single-core and multi-core CPU benchmarks across various PC and Mac chip generations, the majority of consumers remain indifferent to the raw power of their laptops. Most users simply desire a device capable of browsing social media, accessing favorite applications, and composing emails. A smartphone can accomplish all these tasks while being conveniently portable. Data from the U.S. Census indicates that many households rely on smartphones as their primary computing device. Families who only connect to the internet through a smartphone typically have lower income levels compared to those who own home computers and are more likely to live below the poverty line. For some individuals, budget-friendly devices are the only viable option. Fortunately, with the advancements in chip technology, being affordable doesn’t equate to being inferior.
We are currently in an era where budget laptops can deliver satisfactory performance without significant compromises. Many sub-$500 PCs are quite adequate, even when they are powered by entry-level Intel or AMD chips. However, there is a baseline level of specifications that users should expect to justify the price of a laptop. Recent models of Chromebooks have introduced the “Chromebook Plus” designation, which includes minimum specifications like 8GB of RAM. Nevertheless, even highly-rated laptops like the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 can feel limited due to the emphasis on cloud-based applications within ChromeOS. By equipping its affordable MacBook with macOS 26, Apple would provide users with access to a comprehensive suite of Mac-enabled features.
