Apple may bring back budget macbook with new 12.9-inch model this year
A low-budget MacBook, cheaper and smaller than the MacBook Air, is reportedly in development.
Apple is likely to extend its macbook range with a new 12.9-inch model with an aim to appeal to those people who want a compact laptop at a low price range.
Apple is most likely to use the A18 Pro chip, which also powers the iPhone 16 Pro series, in the upcoming macbook, as per reports. This would be a shift from the M-series processors used in current MacBooks.
This rumoured low budget Macbook could become a popular entry level laptop if Apple could manage both performance and price.
The device is most likely to be launched in spring 2026 and sit below the MacBook Air in Apple’s lineup. The launch of this budget macbook would mark Apple’s return to smaller notebooks after it stopped selling the 12-inch MacBook several years ago.
The screen size is expected to be slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch display on the current MacBook Air with narrow screen borders, which could allow Apple to keep the overall body close to standard laptop dimensions. This will make the device easier to carry while still offering enough space for everyday tasks such as browsing, writing, and video streaming.
The use of an iPhone-class processor could also support better power efficiency. Since the chip runs in a phone without a cooling fan, the MacBook could operate silently and focus on longer battery life.
Pricing is yet to be confirmed, however, the report has suggested that Apple may place the model below the MacBook Air which starts at around Rs. 71,921
