The long-running chatter about Apple launching a lower-cost MacBook just got another push: a new round of reporting says the machine is still expected in the first half of 2026, and it may be the headline Mac release in early 2026.
What makes this rumor stand out is the processor. Instead of using an M-series chip like every modern Mac, the budget model is repeatedly described as running an “iPhone-class” A-series chip—with recent rumor recaps pointing specifically to A18 Pro.
What the rumor picture looks like right now
- Display: around 13 inches (slightly smaller/less premium than the Air is the expectation).
- Price chatter: roughly $699–$750 in one recent report roundup, though this is still very much a moving target.
- Why Apple would do it: to compete for buyers who currently default to budget Windows laptops and Chromebooks, and to create a cheaper on-ramp into macOS.
- Volume expectations: estimates place 2026 supply-chain orders in the ~5–8 million range.
The catch
To hit a lower price, the same reports warn Apple could trim specs—think fewer USB-C ports, 8GB memory, or a downgraded display—which could make or break the value.