Rumours about Apple developing a new affordable MacBook has been doing the round. Now, fresh leaks suggest that Apple might price its "budget" MacBook for less than $1000. A report from Bloomberg suggests that this would be the first-ever affordable MacBook, and it would launch in 2026.
If these leaks turn out to be true, it could definitely change the game for MacBook, as it will be accessible to a whole new bunch of people who have been looking to buy a
MacBook, but were looking for an affordable option.
MacBook, made affordable
Apple is aiming the budget MacBook at people who want to experience Apple's idea of a notebook, but without making a hole in their pocket. Unlike the current MacBook Air or Pro models, this new version is said to focus on simplicity and practicality with a lighter build and fewer bells and whistles but with the same Apple polish and design DNA.
A different kind of chip
Now here’s where it gets interesting. Instead of
Apple’s in-house M-series chips, which power all current MacBooks, this one might run on an A-series chip, the same family of processors used in iPhones and some budget iPads. The A18 Pro is featured in the iPhone 17 series already, and shows a tonne of promise.
Display: Compact and colourful
The budget MacBook could feature a 13-inch LCD display, not a fancy mini-LED and OLED display like we get on high-end models.
The design will be classic Apple's aesthetic, namely a sleek build, with a familiar keyboard and trackpad setup.
Why does this move make sense?
This new affordable line-up by Apple will not be a random launch; it puts the
MacBook in a direct head-to-head with Chromebooks and several budget Windows laptops. The price drop is a strategic move by Apple to dominate the budget market. If the leaks turn out to be true then it could be Apple’s most popular devices in India.
Final thoughts
There is no official confirmation from Apple, hence, there is no release date, tentative pricing, or anything concrete for that matter. Let’s take this information with a pinch of salt, but if it turns out to be true, it will be great for people who always wanted to own a Mac.
