MacBook: An affordable MacBook could be launched this year, potentially featuring the same processor as the iPhone 16 Pro..

There have long been rumors that Apple would launch a non-flagship MacBook to compete with other brands in the affordable laptop market. According to a recent note shared by a market research firm, this model could finally launch in 2026. It is expected to feature a 12.9-inch display, similar to select iPad Air and iPad Pro models, and would sit below the MacBook Air in the Cupertino-based tech giant's lineup.

Apple's Affordable MacBook Air
According to recent findings shared by market research firm TrendForce, Apple will launch a 12.9-inch MacBook in the spring of 2026, between March, April, and May. This laptop is expected to target the entry-to-mid-range segment of the market. It was previously expected that mass production of the laptop's components would begin by Q3 2025, with assembly of the entire ecosystem starting before the end of the year.

The research note suggests that supply chain efficiency, economies of scale, and competitive pricing could help the lower-priced MacBook attract buyers and maintain consistent shipment performance.

According to previous reports, the rumored MacBook could feature a 12.9-inch screen, making it the MacBook with the smallest display in Apple's lineup. For context, Apple's currently available MacBook with the smallest screen is the 13-inch MacBook Air.

This laptop could be equipped with the A18 Pro chipset, which also powers the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The Apple Silicon chip includes a hexa-core CPU, a hexa-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, similar to the M1 MacBook Air. The report suggests that the lower-priced MacBook will come with 8GB of RAM. It may also lack several standard Apple features, such as Thunderbolt ports. Instead, it's rumored to feature a simple USB Type-C port, which would support slower data transfer speeds and external display limitations.

Like the MacBook Air and Pro models, the more affordable MacBook is expected to be offered in several bright colors, including blue, silver, pink, and yellow. Its price in the US is expected to start between $699 (approximately ₹63,000) and $799 (approximately ₹72,000), which would be up to $300 (approximately ₹27,000) less than the entry-level MacBook Air.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Dainik Jagran. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.