Jakarta - Apple is rumored to be preparing an affordable version of the MacBook that will be a new entry point into the Mac ecosystem. This device is expected to launch in the first half of 2026 and is positioned as cheaper than the MacBook Air, with an aggressive strategy to challenge cheap Windows laptops and Chromebooks.
According to the latest report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman's Power On newsletter, which was published on Sunday, February 8, this cheap MacBook will be Apple's main Mac launch in early 2026. Gurman did not reveal any significant new details, but reiterated that the device is still on track for release in the first six months of the year.
Gurman said the launch schedule for the MacBook Pro is usually closely related to the macOS 26.3 release cycle which runs until March. He also mentioned the launch of Apple products at the beginning of the month, although he did not explain whether the event would be directly related to this rumored cheap MacBook.
Based on the summary of various previous rumors, this MacBook will come with a 13-inch screen and use an "iPhone-class" chip, not an M-series chip like the M1 or M2 that have been the backbone of the Mac line. This step marks a bold change in Apple's strategy, while opening up the possibility of a much lower price structure.
The device is projected to have two main goals. First, to compete directly with entry-level Windows laptops and Chromebooks that dominate the education and consumer beginner segments. Second, to be a new entry point for users who want to switch to Mac, but have been deterred by Apple's premium product prices.
The issue of price is key. A separate report on February 5 said that this MacBook could be priced at around US$699 to US$750, with an A18 Pro processor. In theory, its performance is even said to be able to surpass the early generation M1-based MacBook, at least for certain tasks.
However, claims that this MacBook will really shake the Chromebook market are met with skepticism. The education market has always been very sensitive to price. Apple's entry-level iPad, even though it is aggressively marketed to schools, is still sold for around 250 US dollars for bulk purchases of hardware alone, without additional accessories.
To reduce production costs, Apple is expected to make a number of compromises. Analysts estimate that the company could cut the number of USB-C ports, limit memory to only 8GB, or lower the screen quality compared to the MacBook Air. These kinds of measures are considered realistic if Apple wants to achieve a lower price target without sacrificing margins to an extreme degree.
The shipping forecast also shows Apple is quite serious about this project. Orders to the supply chain for 2026 are estimated to be in the range of five to eight million units, a fairly large number for a new Mac model.
Whether all those sacrifices will be accepted by consumers is still a question mark. But one thing is clear: if a cheap MacBook with an iPhone chip really launches in early 2026, Apple is ready to shake up the map of the entry-level laptop competition. Chromebooks may no longer be alone in the cheap class, and Apple seems ready to get off the mountain for volume.
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