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| Apple is expected to release a cheap MacBook with a 12.9-inch screen soon |
For months, whispers have circulated about Apple developing a new, more accessible laptop to sit below the MacBook Air in its lineup. Now, those whispers are gaining substantial credibility. Industry analysts have stepped forward to confirm the project and even pinpoint a likely launch window: Spring 2026.
This move is seen as a strategic play to capture a broader segment of the market, especially as global factors are predicted to drive laptop prices upward. The core promise? A compact, lightweight, and, most importantly, more affordable MacBook that doesn’t compromise on the core Apple experience.
Analysts Weigh In with New Details
The latest confirmation and fresh details come from the analysts at TrendForce. In a recent report, they not only bolstered existing rumors but provided a key specification: a 12.9-inch display.
This would make the new model slightly smaller than the current 13.6-inch MacBook Air, but likely with similar modern, narrow bezels. The footprint would be remarkably compact, roughly as wide as a standard laptop keyboard. This design philosophy harkens back to a beloved, ultra-portable model from Apple's past.
A Spiritual Successor to the Beloved 12-inch MacBook
The described form factor immediately draws comparisons to Apple’s 12-inch MacBook, last updated in 2017. That device was a feat of engineering—weighing just 2 pounds and packing a 39.7Wh battery into an incredibly slim profile. It became a favorite among frequent travelers for its portability.
However, its performance was ultimately hamstrung by the underpowered Intel Core M processors of the era. This is where the new model is expected to completely break from the past, addressing the primary criticism of its predecessor.
The Powerhouse Within: iPhone-Grade Silicon for the Mac
According to TrendForce's analysis, Apple plans to equip this budget-friendly laptop with formidable firepower: the Apple A18 Pro chip. This is the same silicon expected to power the iPhone 16 Pro models, repurposed for a Mac.
The performance leap would be staggering. Based on early benchmarks like Geekbench 6, the A18 Pro is projected to be over four times faster than the Intel Core i5-7Y54 found in the final 12-inch MacBook. Even more impressive, its multi-core performance is said to be nearly on par with the groundbreaking Apple M1 chip, suggesting more than enough power for everyday tasks, multimedia, and light creative work.
You can read the full analysis from the source in this TrendForce report.
Launching Into a Turbulent Market
The timing of this launch could be strategically crucial. TrendForce asserts that this 12.9-inch MacBook could help Apple aggressively gain market share. They point to a looming massive DRAM shortage anticipated to drive average laptop prices up by more than 20% in 2026.
In that context, a competitively priced Apple laptop, leveraging efficient and powerful in-house silicon, would stand out sharply in the market. It would offer a compelling entry point into the macOS ecosystem at a time when Windows laptop prices are climbing.
What to Expect
While Apple has not commented on any of these rumors, the consistency of the reports from supply chain analysts is notable. If the projections hold, we can anticipate:
- Model: A new budget MacBook line.
- Screen Size: 12.9-inch Retina display.
- Chip: Apple A18 Pro processor.
- Design: Ultra-portable, lightweight chassis reminiscent of the classic 12-inch MacBook.
- Launch Window: Spring 2026.
- Price Point: Expected to start below the current MacBook Air, which currently starts at $799 on Amazon.
This potential product represents a fascinating direction for Apple: blending proven, high-performance mobile silicon with a compact and affordable form factor to meet a specific market need at just the right time. All eyes will be on Apple's pipeline as we move closer to 2026.
For current Apple deals, you can always check the latest prices on the MacBook Air on Amazon.