Apple might be preparing to shake up the laptop market with a brand-new, affordable MacBook that could launch in early 2026. According to recent reports, this upcoming model will not be part of the company’s existing Air or Pro lineup. Instead, it will be a completely new category designed to bring Apple laptops to a wider audience, especially students and budget-conscious buyers.
The biggest talking point is its expected price. Sources suggest the new MacBook could start at around 699 US dollars, which is roughly 61,300 rupees, with a special discounted price of 599 US dollars, or about 52,500 rupees, for students. If accurate, this would make it the most affordable MacBook Apple has released in years, potentially undercutting the current MacBook Air M1 from 2020, which is still the cheapest MacBook available today.
Reports also hint at impressive performance for its price range. The device is expected to run on the A18 Pro chip the same processor powering the flagship iPhone 16 Pro series. This would mark a significant shift for Apple laptops, as the A-series chips have so far been exclusive to iPhones and iPads. This move could allow Apple to offer advanced AI capabilities, thanks to the A18 Pro’s integration with Apple Intelligence features, while maintaining a lower production cost compared to the M-series processors used in MacBook Air and Pro models.
Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously stated that the laptop could feature a 13-inch display, similar in size to the MacBook Air, but the design and build could be streamlined to make it more affordable. He also predicted that mass production might start by the last quarter of 2025 or the first quarter of 2026, which aligns perfectly with the newly reported launch window.
If the leaks hold true, this MacBook will not only target first-time Mac buyers but could also appeal to students who need a reliable machine for studying, content creation, and light productivity. With its likely combination of a premium Apple design, strong performance from the A18 Pro chip, and AI-powered features, it could be a game-changer in the entry-level laptop segment.
Currently, the MacBook Air M1 remains Apple’s most budget-friendly offering in India, priced at 54,990 rupees. It features a 13.3-inch Retina display, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD storage, and strong battery life. However, a new MacBook that delivers similar or better performance at an even lower price could redefine Apple’s reach in developing markets.
The introduction of this affordable MacBook could help Apple capture a much larger share of the laptop market, especially in regions where MacBooks have been viewed as premium products out of reach for many consumers.
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