Apple might be about to shake up the laptop market with a budget-friendly MacBook that could arrive sooner than expected. 
After months of speculation, a fresh leak from Asia has hinted at the possible price point – and it’s far below what you’d normally pay for a MacBook.
Earlier reports, including one from trusted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo back in June, suggested Apple was developing a more affordable 13-inch MacBook to compete directly with Chromebooks. The new leak claims this entry-level MacBook could cost between $599 and $699, a dramatic drop from the $999 starting price of today’s 13-inch MacBook Air.
Interestingly, this new model might feature a 12.9-inch display, slightly smaller than the Air’s 13.6-inch screen. Component production is reportedly set to begin by the end of Q3 this year, meaning full assembly could start before year’s end. If so, the device might hit shelves in late 2025 or early 2026 – perfectly aligning with Kuo’s earlier predictions.
Market forecasts suggest annual shipments could hit between 5 and 7 million units, potentially boosting MacBook sales by 30–40%. That’s no small jump.
The most surprising rumor? This could be the first MacBook powered by an iPhone chip – specifically Apple’s A18 Pro, the same processor inside the iPhone 16 Pro. While Apple’s current laptops use M-series chips with more cores, higher memory capacity, and better external display support, the A18 Pro could bring a balance of efficiency, performance, and cost savings.
Design-wise, expect something ultra-thin, super light, and available in playful colors like Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow. However, one trade-off might be the absence of Thunderbolt ports, since the A18 Pro doesn’t support them – meaning you’ll likely get standard USB-C instead.
All in all, an affordable MacBook could be a smart move for Apple. Many users don’t need Pro-level performance, and a lower-cost model could attract students, casual users, and first-time Mac owners. Add in the fun colors, portability, and (hopefully) snappy performance, and this could be a hit.