Apple’s Affordable MacBook Rumored to Debut With iPhone 16 Pro Chip

The upcoming budget MacBook is tipped to feature a compact 12.9-inch display, making it the smallest-screen MacBook Apple has offered so far.

Apple is said to be preparing a more affordable MacBook model as part of its long-term strategy to appeal to a wider audience in the laptop market. According to recent industry insights, this non-premium MacBook could finally arrive in 2026. The device is expected to sit below the MacBook Air in Apple’s portfolio and may feature a compact 12.9-inch display, similar in size to certain iPad Air and iPad Pro variants.

A new report from market research firm TrendForce suggests that the smaller MacBook could debut in spring 2026, likely between March and May. The laptop is expected to be positioned in the entry-to-mid-level segment, offering a lower price point than Apple’s existing notebooks while retaining core macOS capabilities.

The report also notes that key components for the upcoming MacBook were initially planned to enter mass production by the third quarter of 2025. Final assembly across Apple’s ecosystem is anticipated to begin toward the end of the year, paving the way for a launch in early 2026.

TrendForce adds that Apple could benefit from supply chain optimisations and economies of scale to keep costs under control. Combined with aggressive pricing, these factors may help the lower-cost MacBook achieve steady demand and maintain consistent shipment volumes once it enters the market.