Apple is reportedly working on a new low-cost MacBook, expected to launch in late 2025 or early 2026, and it could be one of the most important Mac releases in years. Unlike current MacBooks powered by Apple’s M-series chips, this model is said to use an A-series iPhone chip, such as the A18 Pro or even A19 Pro, enabling Apple to push the price well below $1,000.
If accurate, this move would open macOS to a much wider audience, particularly students, educators, and casual users who have been priced out of the Mac ecosystem.
Why Apple Is Making a Cheaper MacBook
1. Lower Cost Without Sacrificing Performance
M-series chips, while extremely powerful, are also expensive to produce. By switching to an A-series chip—originally designed for iPhones—Apple can significantly reduce costs while still delivering strong real-world performance. Modern A-series processors are now powerful enough to match or even outperform early M-series chips like the M1 in certain workloads.
2. Shared Silicon DNA
Apple’s A-series and M-series chips are built on the same ARM architecture. This shared foundation makes it easier to run macOS efficiently on iPhone-class silicon, especially as Apple continues to optimize macOS for energy efficiency and Apple Silicon performance.
3. Expanding the Mac Market
This MacBook is clearly aimed at education markets and first-time Mac buyers. With Chromebooks and Windows laptops dominating the budget segment, Apple finally has a realistic path to compete without compromising its ecosystem or user experience.
Rumored Specifications and Features
While nothing is officially confirmed, current reports suggest the following:
Processor
- Apple A18 Pro (from iPhone 16 Pro)
- Possible upgrade to A19 Pro depending on launch timing
Display
- LCD panel instead of mini-LED
- Smaller than the current 13.6-inch MacBook Air, helping reduce cost
Design
- Inspired by the 12-inch MacBook discontinued in 2019
- Potentially thin, lightweight, and fanless
- New color options, similar to the vibrant 24-inch iMac lineup
Price
- Expected to be well under $1,000
- Positioned close to the cost of an iPad + Magic Keyboard, but with full macOS
Launch Timeline
- 2026
Why This MacBook Matters
This rumored MacBook represents more than just a cheaper laptop—it marks a strategic shift in Apple’s hardware philosophy.
By using an A-series chip, Apple effectively blurs the line between iPhone and Mac silicon, proving that macOS doesn’t need an M-series processor to deliver a great experience. For students and casual users, this could be the most accessible Mac ever made.
It also creates a new entry point into Apple’s ecosystem, encouraging users to adopt macOS, iCloud, Apple Music, and other services earlier—something Apple values just as much as hardware margins.
Final Thoughts
If Apple delivers on these rumors, the low-cost MacBook could become the default laptop recommendation for students and everyday users. It won’t replace the MacBook Air or Pro, but it doesn’t need to. Instead, it fills a long-standing gap in Apple’s lineup—an affordable, modern Mac designed for the masses.
As we move closer to 2026, this could be the MacBook that finally brings macOS to everyone, not just premium buyers.
