Apple is reportedly preparing to expand its laptop portfolio with a new low-cost MacBook, signalling a major shift in its long-standing premium-only strategy. Industry reports indicate that this upcoming device could be Apple’s most affordable MacBook yet, aimed at students, first-time laptop buyers, and everyday users looking for reliability at a lower price point.
If launched as expected, this move could significantly strengthen Apple’s presence in price-sensitive markets such as India, where demand for budget-friendly yet powerful laptops continues to grow across education, remote work, and small businesses.
Smaller Display, Familiar Apple Design
The low-cost MacBook is rumoured to feature a 12.9-inch display, making it more compact than the current entry-level MacBook Air. This smaller size suggests Apple is focusing on portability while still maintaining the brand’s minimalist design language.
Despite being positioned as an affordable offering, the laptop is expected to retain Apple’s premium build quality, lightweight chassis, and clean aesthetics. This approach allows Apple to reduce costs without compromising the overall user experience that MacBooks are known for.
Powered by iPhone 16 Pro’s A18 Pro Chip
One of the most surprising details about the upcoming laptop is its processor. Reports suggest the MacBook will be powered by the A18 Pro chipset, the same silicon expected to debut in the iPhone 16 Pro lineup.
The A18 Pro chip features a hexa-core CPU, a powerful GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, making it capable enough to handle everyday productivity tasks, multimedia editing, and even light creative workloads. For users, this means strong performance without the higher cost associated with Apple’s M-series chips.
The laptop is also expected to come with 8GB of RAM as standard, ensuring smooth multitasking for students and office users.
Simplified Ports and Practical Hardware Choices
To keep the pricing competitive, Apple may opt for a simplified hardware configuration. Reports suggest the new MacBook could offer standard USB-C ports instead of Thunderbolt connectivity. While this limits advanced data transfer options, it aligns well with the expectations of budget buyers who prioritise affordability over professional-grade features.
Battery life is expected to remain one of the laptop’s strong points, thanks to the efficiency of Apple’s in-house silicon, although exact figures are yet to be confirmed.
Expected Price Range and Indian Market Impact
Pricing is where this MacBook could make the biggest impact. The device is expected to launch at $699–$799, with some earlier estimates even suggesting a possible entry point closer to $599. In Indian terms, this places the laptop within reach of a much wider audience than previous MacBook models.
For Indian students, freelancers, and professionals, this could be the first realistic opportunity to enter the macOS ecosystem without stretching budgets. If Apple positions the device correctly, it could also compete directly with mid-range Windows laptops and premium Chromebooks.
Likely Launch Timeline and What’s Next
Production of the low-cost MacBook is expected to begin toward the end of 2025, with a launch planned for early 2026. The announcement could align with Apple’s spring product events, which typically focus on hardware aimed at mass-market consumers.
Apple is also rumoured to be working on multiple products around the same period, indicating a busy roadmap ahead as the company looks to diversify its offerings and attract new users.
A Strategic Move Towards Accessibility
If the reports prove accurate, Apple’s low-cost MacBook could mark a turning point for the brand. By leveraging proven iPhone-class silicon and simplifying certain features, Apple appears ready to balance performance, price, and brand appeal.
For Indian consumers especially, this MacBook could redefine expectations around affordability and performance in the premium laptop space. As anticipation builds toward 2026, all eyes will be on Apple to see how it reshapes its Mac lineup for a broader audience.