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.
The Modern-Day iBook: What We Know
Speculation around a more affordable MacBook has been swirling for months, but consensus is emerging on several core details. If these reports prove accurate, this new MacBook will be a spiritual successor to the ultra-portable 12-inch model, but with modern updates.
Launch Window: Spring 2026, with a possible announcement by March or April.
Display Size: 12.9 inches—matching the largest iPad Pro and slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air for greater portability.
Processor: An A18 Pro chip, in the same family as what’s expected in the iPhone 16 Pro—a significant strategic departure.
Price: Estimated between $599 and $899, with $699 or $799 being the likely launch targets, positioning it directly below the current MacBook Air.
Design: Expected to feature an ultra-thin, lightweight case, with possible bright color options reminiscent of the iMac line.
Taken together, these features reveal Apple’s intent: a machine for students, casual users, and anyone seeking a true macOS experience without the “pro” price tag.
Under the Hood: The A18 Pro Chip
One of the most intriguing details is Apple’s choice of an A-series chip instead of the now-familiar M-series. The A18 Pro is expected to include a 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine—delivering performance comparable to Apple’s M1 chip, which remains fast for everyday tasks.
Choosing an iPhone-derived chip allows Apple to pursue several advantages:
Cost Reduction: A-series chips are produced at a much higher volume than M-series, helping lower costs.
Product Differentiation: This creates a clear performance tier below the MacBook Air.
Efficiency: The A18 Pro is designed for fanless, battery-efficient devices, making it well-suited to a thin-and-light laptop.
There are trade-offs, though. The A18 Pro likely lacks Thunderbolt support, meaning standard USB-C ports with slower data transfers and more limited external display options. The model is also expected to start with 8GB of RAM, in contrast to the 16GB now standard on Air and Pro versions.
Market Impact: A Challenge for MacBook Air and iPad Pro
A MacBook at the $700 mark could dramatically shake up Apple’s portfolio. The most immediate competitor is the MacBook Air. Though the Air would retain superior performance, this new, lower-priced MacBook running full macOS might draw budget-focused buyers away from the Air entirely.
More broadly, such a device could undercut the argument for using an iPad Pro with a keyboard as a true laptop replacement. A tricked-out iPad Pro setup can easily outprice a MacBook Pro, while a sub-$800 MacBook with an integrated keyboard and uncompromised operating system offers greater flexibility. This strategy could shift the iPad’s focus back to its roots: being a touch-first tablet for media, creation, and specialty apps.
The Verdict: A Calculated Disruption
For years, entering the Mac ecosystem has required a significant spend. Even a discounted M1 MacBook Air created a hurdle for many users. This rumored 12.9-inch MacBook looks poised to clear that barrier.
While power users may be quick to criticize the expected compromises—fewer ports, less RAM, and reduced raw power—this device isn’t built for them. It’s designed for the student gearing up for college, the writer seeking a reliable keyboard, and families who want a capable, accessible home computer.
By leveraging its A-series chip efficiencies, Apple is poised to create a new category—a full macOS experience at a price that could attract millions of new users. If the rumors are accurate, this could be a bold, game-changing move for Cupertino.
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Interesting tradeoff dropping Thunderbolt to hit that price point. For the target market (students, casual users), the lack of 40Gbps external display chaining probbaly doesn't matter much. But it does create a clearer product segmentation, the Air now becomes the entry point for anyone needing pro connectivity. Feels like Apple's dunno if the A18 Pro can physically support TB4 controllers or if it's purely a cost decision.