Apple is reportedly working on a more affordable MacBook, expected to launch in the first half of 2026. According to Bloomberg, the new laptop will cost well below $1,000 and target the entry-level market segment, which is currently dominated by Chromebooks and low-end Windows notebooks. The company’s goal is to expand its user base by offering a budget-friendly laptop that still integrates smoothly with the macOS ecosystem.
A Mac Designed for Students and Everyday Users
At the moment, the most affordable Apple laptop is the MacBook Air, starting at $999. With this new model, Apple clearly aims to attract students and users who do not need the performance of the M-series chips. The idea is to offer a direct alternative to the devices commonly used in schools and universities, a market that has long been dominated by Google and Microsoft.
The new MacBook is expected to feature an A18 Pro chip, the same one used in the iPhone 16 Pro, instead of Apple’s M-series processors. This choice will help reduce costs while maintaining good performance for daily activities such as web browsing, streaming, and light productivity.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the laptop will feature a 13-inch display and could come in bright colors — silver, blue, pink, and yellow — similar to the iMac lineup. The design will stay true to Apple’s minimalist MacBook style but with a more playful and casual touch.
A New Alternative to the iPad + Keyboard Combo
The affordable MacBook could also be Apple’s response to the growing popularity of iPads paired with keyboards, which serve as low-cost hybrid productivity tools. While it will not replace any existing Mac model, the device is expected to fill the gap between the iPad Pro and the MacBook Air, offering a full macOS experience at a more competitive price. Apple reportedly plans to position it as a complementary product within its lineup, not as a replacement.
The launch of the new MacBook will likely coincide with the release of MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models featuring M5 chips, expected in early 2026. In this way, Apple aims to cover the full spectrum of the notebook market, from premium to mainstream. Whether this strategy will win over students and young professionals remains to be seen, but it could mark the first time Apple offers a truly affordable Mac without sacrificing the quality and user experience that define its products.
