Apple is reportedly planning to introduce a new MacBook with a 12.9 inch display in the spring of 2026, according to a report from Taiwan based research firm TrendForce. This upcoming laptop is expected to be positioned as an entry to mid-level device, with a strong focus on affordability aimed at students, first time Mac users, and those seeking a lightweight and portable laptop at a lower price point.
While TrendForce has not revealed extensive technical details, the report aligns with earlier rumors suggesting that this MacBook will be powered by the A18 Pro chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 16 Pro. If accurate, this would mark the first time Apple officially brings an A series smartphone chip to a macOS device, representing a notable shift in its hardware strategy.
In the United States market, the new MacBook is expected to be priced between 599 and 899 USD, with the most likely price points believed to be around 699 or 799 USD. This would place it clearly below the MacBook Air, which currently starts at 999 USD before discounts, allowing Apple to compete more directly with budget laptops and Chromebook devices in the education and entry level segments.
The A18 Pro chip reportedly features a 6 core CPU, 6 core GPU, and a 16 core Neural Engine, delivering performance comparable to Apple’s M1 chip. This positions the new MacBook as a potential modern replacement for the older MacBook Air M1 models that are still sold by some retailers at discounted prices, while offering improved power efficiency through a more advanced manufacturing process.
However, the use of an A series chip may introduce certain limitations. The base configuration is expected to start with 8GB of memory, and Thunderbolt support may be absent. Instead, the device is likely to rely on standard USB C ports, which would offer lower data transfer speeds and reduced external display support compared to MacBooks powered by M series chips. These compromises would help Apple clearly differentiate its product tiers.
Renowned analyst Ming Chi Kuo has suggested that this affordable MacBook could launch in vibrant color options such as silver, blue, pink, and yellow, paired with a thin and lightweight design reminiscent of the discontinued 12 inch MacBook. Reports from both DigiTimes and TrendForce agree on the 12.9 inch display size, which would be slightly smaller than the MacBook Air, with an official reveal possibly taking place within the next few months.
If these rumors prove accurate, Apple may be preparing to reshape its MacBook lineup by offering a more accessible entry point into macOS, without directly cannibalizing its higher end M series powered devices.
Origin: Macrumors
