According to MacRumors, Apple is developing a more affordable Mac notebook set to launch in the first half of 2026 that will cost “well under $1,000.” The machine will reportedly use the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro rather than traditional Mac processors and feature a 13-inch display. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests it will come in bright colors like Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow similar to the iMac lineup. This budget MacBook won’t replace any existing models and will be sold alongside M5 versions of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro launching around the same time. The device aims to compete directly with affordable Windows machines and Chromebooks while potentially replacing the entry-level iPad and keyboard combo many use as a budget Apple computing solution.
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Why This Makes Sense Now
Here’s the thing – Apple has been leaving money on the table for years in the budget laptop space. The current cheapest MacBook Air starts at $999, which is still premium pricing territory. Meanwhile, Chromebooks and affordable Windows machines have absolutely dominated the education market and budget-conscious consumer segment. Basically, Apple’s been watching from the sidelines while competitors eat their lunch in categories where price matters more than premium features.
And let’s be honest – how many people are really using an iPad with a keyboard as their main computer? It’s a compromise solution that never quite delivers the full macOS experience. This new budget MacBook could finally give those users what they actually want: a real Mac at an accessible price point.
The iPhone Chip Gambit
Using iPhone processors instead of Mac chips is actually brilliant when you think about it. The A-series chips are incredibly powerful and energy-efficient, plus Apple already manufactures them at massive scale. This move could significantly reduce production costs compared to developing separate Mac-specific silicon for the budget line.
But here’s my question: will consumers feel like they’re getting a “real” Mac with iPhone internals? There’s definitely a perception hurdle to overcome. Then again, Apple’s been gradually blurring the lines between iOS and macOS for years, and most users probably won’t notice the difference in everyday use.
The 2026 Play
Launching this in early 2026 alongside M5 MacBooks is smart positioning. It creates clear separation in the product lineup – you’ve got your premium M5 machines for power users and professionals, and your affordable A-series option for everyone else. This prevents cannibalization while expanding Apple’s total addressable market.
Look, the timing couldn’t be better. The education market is ripe for disruption, and many families are looking for affordable computing options that aren’t Chromebooks. If Apple can hit that sweet spot of quality and price, they might finally crack markets that have traditionally been Windows and Chrome OS strongholds.
