According to a new report from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple is preparing to launch a brand-new MacBook model designed to be significantly more affordable than its current lineup, with a strong focus on younger users and first-time laptop buyers. The rumored device is expected to arrive around March and is positioned as Apple’s answer to low-cost Windows laptops and Chromebooks that dominate the entry-level market.
What makes this MacBook particularly interesting is Apple’s reported decision to power it with the A18 Pro chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 16 Pro, instead of the usual M-series Apple Silicon chips. While this may sound like a downgrade on paper, the A18 Pro is anything but weak. Early performance benchmarks place it close to the M1, the chip that originally kicked off Apple’s silicon revolution. For everyday tasks such as browsing, streaming, studying, content creation, and even light creative work, the performance should remain smooth and responsive, while still supporting Apple Intelligence features.
Design-wise, Apple is said to be leaning heavily into color as a selling point. The upcoming MacBook reportedly features a compact 12.9-inch display, making it slightly smaller than the MacBook Air and easier to carry around for students or commuters. Instead of switching to plastic to cut costs, Apple has reportedly developed a faster and more efficient aluminum manufacturing process, allowing the laptop to maintain a premium feel while keeping production expenses lower.
Color options are expected to be a major highlight, with Apple testing brighter tones such as soft yellow, light green, blue, pink, alongside classic silver and dark gray. This shift suggests Apple is aiming for a more playful, expressive look, clearly differentiating this model from the minimalist aesthetic of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The idea is simple: make the MacBook feel less like a professional work machine and more like a personal device that reflects individual personality.
Pricing is where this MacBook could truly disrupt the market. The report estimates a launch price between USD 599 and USD 799, making it noticeably cheaper than the entry-level MacBook Air. At this price point, Apple could significantly lower the barrier for users who already own an iPhone but have hesitated to enter the Mac ecosystem due to cost. For students, casual users, and families, this could become the most accessible MacBook Apple has released in years.
This moves highlights Apple’s broader strategy to expand its user base without compromising core brand values. Instead of racing to the bottom on price alone, Apple appears to be betting on a combination of strong performance, premium materials, long-term software support, and eye-catching design. If successful, this affordable MacBook could redefine expectations for entry-level laptops and accelerate Apple’s push into younger and more value-conscious demographics heading into 2026.
