Apple is reportedly developing an affordable MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip, targeting a 2026 release. With a 13-inch display and vibrant color options, this laptop aims to compete in the budget segment, potentially priced below $799. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts 5–7 million units shipped, marking Apple’s push into cost-conscious markets like India.
Apple’s Affordable MacBook: A Game-Changer Powered by A18 Pro
Apple is gearing up to redefine the budget laptop market with a new MacBook slated for release in 2026, powered by the A18 Pro chip, the same processor driving the iPhone 16 Pro series. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this 13-inch MacBook will mark Apple’s first venture into using A-series chips for its laptops, diverging from the M-series processors that have powered Macs since 2020. The move signals Apple’s ambition to capture a larger share of the cost-sensitive market, particularly in regions like India, where premium pricing often limits MacBook adoption.
The A18 Pro chip, known for its robust single-core performance (approximately 3,500 on Geekbench) and multi-core scores (around 8,780), offers power comparable to the original M1 chip. This makes it suitable for everyday tasks such as web browsing, productivity apps, streaming, and light creative workloads. While it may not match the M4 chip’s multi-core performance (around 15,000), the A18 Pro’s efficiency and AI capabilities, including a 16-core Neural Engine, ensure it can handle Apple Intelligence features, bringing advanced functionality to a budget-friendly device.
Kuo estimates that Apple will produce 5–7 million units of this MacBook in 2026, contributing to a projected total of 25 million MacBook shipments, matching the brand’s peak sales during the COVID-19 era. The laptop is expected to enter mass production in late 2025 or early 2026, with a potential price range of $699–$799 (approximately ₹58,000–₹66,000 in India). This would position it well below the current entry-level MacBook Air, priced at ₹99,900 in India, making it Apple’s most affordable laptop to date.
The MacBook is rumored to sport a 13-inch display and come in vibrant color options, including silver, blue, pink, and yellow, reminiscent of Apple’s colorful iPad lineup. This aesthetic choice could appeal to younger users, students, and casual buyers seeking style and portability at a lower cost. Apple is reportedly collaborating with Chinese supplier Everwin Precision for casing production, which could help reduce manufacturing costs and maintain competitive pricing.
Performance-wise, the A18 Pro MacBook is poised to deliver reliable efficiency for daily use. While it may not compete with M-series Macs for intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering, its capabilities align well with the needs of budget-conscious consumers. Speculation persists about whether the laptop will run macOS or a modified version of iOS, potentially resembling the software experience of Apple’s A-series-powered iPads.
In India, where MacBooks are often seen as premium purchases, this affordable model could disrupt the market, competing with Windows laptops in the ₹50,000–₹70,000 range. However, Apple faces the challenge of balancing cost savings with performance to convince buyers that the A18 Pro-powered MacBook is a worthy alternative to pricier M-series models. If priced strategically, this laptop could significantly boost Apple’s market share in emerging markets.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports and insights from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and various tech news sources. Information regarding the MacBook’s specifications, pricing, and launch timeline is speculative and subject to change, as Apple has not officially confirmed these details. Readers are advised to verify updates from official sources.