Apple is indeed making an entry-level MacBook for early 2026. We first heard of this back in the summer via a DigiTimes report and now Bloomberg is reporting on it.
Apple has reportedly ordered early production of a low-cost MacBook with its suppliers and will target a release in early 2026.
The laptop is said to have a “lower-end LCD display” and will use an A-series iPhone chipset, which is reportedly faster than the first Apple M1. The report says this entry-level MacBook will have a smaller display than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air, and will cost “well under $1,000”.
Apple’s aim with a cheap MacBook is to get in on the entry-level PC and Chromebook market. Those laptops cost anywhere from $200 to $700 for the most premium Chromebook. Given that Apple’s entry-level Mac mini is $599, it’s possible that an entry-level MacBook will be around $100 to $200 more.
