Low-Price 12.9-Inch MacBook With A18 Pro Chip Reportedly Launching Early This Year

A new entry-level MacBook is rumored for a spring 2026 debut. Powered by an A18 Pro chip and priced aggressively, it could redefine Apple’s laptop lineup—or introduce real upheaval.

Apple’s product matrix has long been clear: MacBook Air for most users and MacBook Pro for professionals. But now, a new contender may be about to join the lineup, one that blurs traditional lines and targets a price range Apple hasn’t reached in years.

According to new reports from supply chain sources, including research firm TrendForce, Apple is preparing to launch a 12.9-inch MacBook as soon as this spring. This isn’t just a minor iteration—it’s a rumored low-cost, entry-level machine that could debut with a starting price as low as $699.

This strategic move could become one of Apple’s most significant in the portable market, aiming for a new audience. But it also raises key questions about its effect on the MacBook Air—and even the iPad Pro. Here’s a closer look at what to expect.