Apple is finally preparing to enter the low-cost laptop market, as we head into CES 2026, all eyes are on Apple’s potential March Spring Event, where a brand-new Budget MacBook could make its debut. According to multiple supply chain reports, Apple is working on a low-cost MacBook priced under $700, targeting students, education buyers, and first-time Mac users.
If these rumors are accurate, this would be Apple’s most aggressive move yet to challenge Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops.
A New Budget MacBook Is Coming
For years, Apple’s MacBook lineup has effectively started with the MacBook Air at around $999. While powerful and efficient, that price leaves a gap for users who want macOS without paying near‑flagship prices.
According to supply‑chain and media reports, Apple plans to fill that gap with a true entry‑level MacBook, designed to compete more directly with Chromebooks and low‑cost Windows laptops — while still offering the macOS experience.
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Budget MacBook 2026 Rumors: Features, ,Color Options, Release Date and Price
| Feature | Rumored Specs / Details |
|---|---|
| Chip | A18 Pro (iPhone-class, single-core 3,200–3,500 Geekbench 6) |
| Display | 12.9-inch LCD Retina (portable, lightweight) |
| Expected Price | $599 – $899 (most likely $699–$799) |
| Expected Launch | Spring 2026 (likely March or April, following CES 2026 buzz) |
1. 12.9-Inch Display: Smaller, Lighter, More Portable
One of the most discussed rumors is the 12.9‑inch display size.
Why 12.9 inches?
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Smaller than the 13.6‑inch MacBook Air, making it more portable and lighter
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Familiar size for users coming from 12.9‑inch iPad Pro models
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Lower production cost compared to larger panels
Most reports suggest Apple will use an LCD display rather than Mini‑LED or OLED, helping keep costs down while still offering good color accuracy and brightness for everyday use.
2. Processor Strategy: iPhone-Class Chip Instead of M-Series
The most debated rumor is Apple’s reported decision to use an A‑series chip, rather than an M‑series processor.
Expected chip: A18 Pro
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Same chip family used in iPhone 16 Pro
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Strong single‑core performance
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Excellent power efficiency
Apple using an iPhone‑class chip in a MacBook would mark a strategic shift — reserving M‑series chips for higher‑end Macs while optimizing cost and battery life for entry‑level laptops.
3. Design, Ports, and Color Options
Simplified hardware design
To reach a lower price, Apple is expected to simplify the design:
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Aluminum chassis
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Fewer ports (likely USB‑C only)
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No Thunderbolt support
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MagSafe charging uncertain
Color options aimed at students (rumored)
| Color | Appeal |
| Silver | Classic and professional |
| Blue | Popular among students |
| Pink | Trendy and expressive |
| Yellow | Youthful and eye‑catching |
Multiple color options would help the budget MacBook feel fun and personal, rather than cheap — a strategy Apple already uses with iMac and iPad models.
4. Expected Price and Launch Timeline
Pricing is the core appeal of Apple’s rumored Budget MacBook, with reports suggesting a range between $599 and $899, while most analysts consider $699–$799 the most realistic starting price. Mass production is rumored to begin in late 2025, with an official launch expected during Apple’s Spring 2026 event (likely March or April). This timing aligns with Apple’s tradition of introducing education-focused products, making the Budget MacBook a timely option for students and first-time Mac buyers.
Budget MacBook vs MacBook Air: Which Should You Buy?
Buyers often compare the 2026 Budget MacBook with the MacBook Air because both are lightweight, portable Macs. The Air offers more power and ports, while the Budget MacBook focuses on affordability and everyday performance, helping students and first-time Mac users decide cost vs. features.
With a lower‑priced MacBook on the horizon, comparisons with the MacBook Air are inevitable.
| Feature | Budget MacBook (Rumored) | MacBook Air |
| Display | 12.9‑inch LCD | 13.6‑inch Liquid Retina |
| Chip | A18 Pro | M4 |
| Starting Price | $599–$799 (expected) | $999 |
| Best For | Students, light users | Mainstream users |
For those prioritizing affordability, portability, and everyday tasks such as note-taking, browsing, and media consumption, the Budget MacBook is likely the better choice. On the other hand, if you need more sustained performance, support for external displays, or professional workflows, the MacBook Air remains the more suitable option.
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Final Thoughts
If the rumors hold true, this new model will combine a 12.9‑inch portable design, reliable everyday performance, and a starting price around $699, making it an attractive option for students, first-time Mac users, and budget-conscious buyers. While it won’t replace the MacBook Air, it could expand Apple’s presence in the entry-level laptop market and become one of the most noteworthy Mac launches in years. We will continue updating this guide as new leaks, supply chain reports, and official announcements emerge.
