Apple is expected to launch a new entry-level MacBook in spring 2026 that could lower the cost of entry to macOS by replacing the MacBook Air with a smaller, more power-efficient design.
Recent reports indicate the new MacBook will feature a 12.9-inch display, creating a more compact footprint than the current 13.6-inch MacBook Air while targeting users prioritising portability over sustained performance.
The most significant change centres on Apple’s processor choice, as the device reportedly adopts the A18 Pro chipset from the iPhone lineup rather than using the company’s established M-series laptop silicon.
That decision reflects Apple’s broader strategy of reusing high-efficiency mobile processors to enable thinner designs, longer battery life, and lower thermal demands in devices aimed at casual productivity workloads.
Performance expectations remain modest, with early comparisons placing the A18 Pro near the original M1 in everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and light multitasking.
Memory configuration may play a key role in Apple’s pricing strategy, as a report from Mirror Daily suggests the base model could ship with just 8GB of RAM to reach a lower target price.
That configuration would place the entry MacBook below the MacBook Air in price, with estimates ranging between $699 and $799 depending on storage and regional pricing structures.
Hardware trade-offs and pricing pressure
Apple’s current memory upgrade pricing means higher-RAM configurations could quickly approach MacBook Air territory, reducing the value gap for users who need more headroom for creative or development workloads.
Design and battery life appear to be the primary differentiators, with the new MacBook expected to retain a premium aluminium chassis, multiple colour options, and long runtimes enabled by the A18 Pro’s power efficiency.
The approach echoes Apple’s discontinued 12-inch MacBook from 2015, which prioritised light weight and portability over raw performance while appealing to frequent travellers and students.
Supply-chain estimates suggest Apple plans to manufacture between five and eight million units annually, signalling expectations of broad demand rather than niche appeal.
That production volume places the device squarely in the mass-market category, targeting buyers who currently rely on Chromebooks or entry-level Windows laptops for everyday computing tasks.
The rumoured MacBook also reflects a shift in Apple’s lineup structure, potentially reserving M-series processors for higher-margin products while using iPhone silicon to defend lower price tiers.
Apple has not confirmed specifications, pricing, or availability, and the company has not publicly commented on plans to introduce iPhone processors into its MacBook range.
If the spring launch window holds, Apple could detail the device alongside other early-year hardware updates like the iPhone 17e, positioning the new MacBook as the most accessible entry point into macOS.
Until then, the emerging details suggest Apple is willing to trade expandable memory and peak performance for efficiency, portability, and price flexibility in its next entry-level laptop.
