Apple is reportedly planning to launch an affordable MacBook with a 12.9-inch display, featuring the iPhone-class A18 Pro chip. This new model aims to hit the market in March 2026, targeting consumers looking for a compact and budget-friendly laptop option.
According to market research firm TrendForce, this device would mark the return of Apple to the smaller MacBook segment. Positioned below the MacBook Air lineup, it promises to be Apple’s most affordable MacBook to date.
Reviving the Compact MacBook Segment
The rumored 12.9-inch MacBook represents Apple’s effort to re-enter the compact notebook market. The company previously offered a 12-inch MacBook between 2015 and 2017 but discontinued it due to limited performance and lukewarm market response.
With a slightly smaller screen than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air, the new MacBook is expected to retain thin bezels that help maintain a comfortable size for daily mobile productivity. This design should support activities such as typing and on-the-go work without sacrificing portability.
Featuring the Apple A18 Pro Chip
One of the most significant aspects of this upcoming MacBook is the use of the Apple A18 Pro chip, also found in the iPhone 16 Pro series. This would be Apple’s first laptop running on a non-M series processor since the full transition to Apple Silicon.
Performance estimates suggest the A18 Pro delivers strong single-core capabilities, with multi-core performance sufficient for light to moderate computing tasks. While not designed for heavy workloads like rendering or large-scale data processing, it suits document editing, intensive browsing, video playback, and light creative work.
Since the A18 Pro chip is optimized for small, efficient devices like the iPhone, the MacBook is likely to benefit from passive cooling without fans. This design could offer a silent user experience along with improved battery life, making the laptop ideal for students, office workers, and travelers prioritizing mobility.
Affordable Pricing Below the MacBook Air
TrendForce reports that Apple intends to price this MacBook beneath the current MacBook Air, which starts at around $799 in global markets. Utilizing an iPhone-class chip should help Apple control production costs, particularly as component prices such as DRAM continue to rise.
Analysts anticipate global laptop prices may increase in 2026 due to growing demand for AI server memory. Apple’s strategy with this device may therefore focus on maintaining market share in the entry-level and education sectors amid these price pressures.
The stable macOS ecosystem, combined with Apple Silicon’s energy efficiency, is expected to attract buyers looking to switch from mid-range Windows laptops.
Still a Rumor Without Official Confirmation
While the launch is projected for March 2026, Apple has yet to confirm details regarding this MacBook model. Specifications, pricing, and release dates remain subject to change as development progresses.
If the rumors prove true, Apple seems poised to revive the compact MacBook concept with a fresh approach that emphasizes efficiency, portability, and affordability — potentially avoiding the compromises that affected the original 12-inch MacBook.
In summary, this rumored MacBook could fill a niche for users seeking a slim, lightweight laptop with a lower price point and sufficient performance for everyday use. The adoption of the A18 Pro chip reflects Apple’s innovative approach to balancing cost and capability in the evolving laptop market.
-
-
-
-
