If you have been waiting for a MacBook that doesn’t cost a fortune, 2026 might finally be your year. A new report from market research firm TrendForce suggests Apple is preparing to release a budget-friendly laptop in the spring of 2026, targeting students and casual users who usually can’t justify the price of a MacBook Air.
A Cheaper Entry Point
The big news here is the price. The report estimates this new model will start between $699 and $799. For comparison, the MacBook Air usually starts at $999 (without student discounts).
To hit this lower price tag, Apple is reportedly taking a different approach to what is inside. Instead of using the powerful M-series chips found in current Macs, this budget laptop is rumored to run on the A18 Pro—the same processor powering the iPhone 16 Pro.
iPad Screen, Laptop Body
The device is expected to feature a 12.9-inch display. If that size sounds familiar, it is because it matches the iPad Air and iPad Pro. By reusing screens already in production for its tablets, Apple can cut manufacturing costs significantly.
This size would make it smaller than the current 13-inch Air, effectively replacing the old 12-inch MacBook that was discontinued years ago. It is likely to come in fun, bright colors like blue, pink, and yellow, similar to the base model iMacs.
What You Give Up
Ideally, a $700 MacBook comes with some compromises. Because the A18 Pro is designed for phones, it likely won’t support Thunderbolt ports. This means you will probably get standard USB-C ports with slower data transfer speeds and limited support for external monitors.
The laptop is also expected to start with just 8GB of RAM. While that is low for a pro machine, it is usually plenty for writing papers, browsing the web, and watching Netflix—exactly what this laptop is built for.
Market Impact & Context
This is Apple’s answer to the Chromebook. For years, Google has dominated the education market because its laptops are cheap and durable. Apple has tried to compete with the iPad, but many students still prefer a real keyboard and a trackpad.
By combining iPhone chips with a laptop body, Apple creates a hybrid device. It lowers the barrier to entry for the Apple ecosystem, potentially hooking younger users who might later upgrade to pricier Pro models.
What Comes Next
If the timeline holds, we should see this new “MacBook SE” (or whatever they name it) between March and May 2026. Until then, the M2 and M3 MacBook Airs remain the cheapest way to get macOS.
