Early leaks reveal what to expect from Apple’s low-cost MacBook

Apple is reportedly planning to launch a low-cost MacBook in 2026, aiming to offer an affordable alternative to the $999 MacBook Air. The move is seen as a strategy to better compete with budget-friendly Chromebooks and Windows laptops.

For those in the market for a device primarily for browsing, streaming, homework, or light productivity, this new MacBook could be worth waiting for.

Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shared early details suggesting the laptop will have a display close to 13 inches, slightly smaller than the MacBook Air’s 13.6-inch screen. While Apple is unlikely to prioritise an ultra-thin design, the laptop should remain sleek enough for everyday portability.

The display will reportedly use a standard LCD panel, without the more advanced mini-LED or ProMotion features, but Apple could introduce a variety of bright colours reminiscent of its iMac line, including silver, blue, pink, and yellow.

Under the hood, the low-cost MacBook is expected to run on Apple’s A18 Pro chip, previously seen in the iPhone 16 Pro models. Built on a 3-nanometre process, the A18 Pro offers 8GB RAM and support for Apple Intelligence, delivering performance comparable to the M1 MacBook Air for most tasks and even exceeding it in some multi-core applications.

The chip is capable of handling everyday computing needs such as browsing, video streaming, document creation, photo editing, and light video editing. It can also run iPhone and iPad apps, including Apple Arcade titles, though it may struggle with graphics-heavy PC games.

Apple appears to be keeping the design simple, with likely one or two USB-C ports and no focus on additional connectivity. The battery is expected to perform on par with the MacBook Air, potentially offering up to 18 hours of video playback or 15 hours of web browsing.

Expected price

Pricing remains unconfirmed, but reports suggest it will come well under $1,000. Comparisons to existing products, such as the 13-inch iPad Air at $799 or the M1 MacBook at $599, hint that the new MacBook could fall somewhere between these price points, offering a cost-effective option for macOS users.

The launch is expected in the first half of 2026, possibly around the same time Apple refreshes the MacBook Air. For anyone looking for a capable, compact laptop without the premium price tag, Apple’s new low-cost MacBook could finally provide a compelling option.