Apple Plans to Launch Its First Budget MacBook in Early 2026

Reports indicate that Apple is developing a new budget-friendly MacBook aimed at competing directly with Chromebooks and lower-cost Windows laptops. This marks the Cupertino-based tech giant's first foray into the affordable laptop segment.

Apple intends for this new model to be significantly more accessible than the current MacBook Air, which starts above $1,000. The upcoming device is expected to deliver the full macOS experience at a substantially lower price point, targeting students, educators, and general consumers who primarily use their devices for web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. As such, it’s being positioned as a direct rival to the budget Windows laptops and Chromebooks that currently dominate the entry-level global market.

According to sources, the new MacBook could be priced between $599 and $699. Component production is slated to begin in mid-to-late 2025, with a launch anticipated in the first half of 2026. While Apple has not officially confirmed any details about the project, reports suggest the company isn’t merely repurposing an older MacBook design but is instead engineering an entirely new model specifically for the low-cost segment.

The device is expected to retain Apple’s signature aluminum chassis but will incorporate more cost-effective materials and simplified internal components to reduce manufacturing expenses. The display will also differ from current MacBooks by using a standard LCD panel instead of the high-resolution Retina or mini-LED screens found in premium models. Additionally, the screen size is rumored to be slightly smaller than the MacBook Air’s 13.6-inch display, making the new laptop more compact and portable.

One of the most notable differences will be the processor. Unlike Apple’s existing Mac lineup, which relies on M-series chips, the budget MacBook is expected to run on an A-series chip—typically used in iPhones and iPads. Early testing reportedly shows that this chip delivers performance on par with, or even surpassing, the older M1 processor, all while being cheaper to produce. This approach would allow Apple to offer a capable and efficient laptop without the higher costs associated with its custom M-series silicon.

This move aligns with Apple’s recent efforts to strengthen its presence in price-sensitive markets like India. Meanwhile, the company continues to face headwinds in China, largely due to ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions. In Q3 2024, Apple shipped approximately 5.1 million Macs, a year-over-year decline of about 17.5%. A modest recovery followed in Q1 2025, with shipments rising to around 5.5 million units.