Apple could launch its most affordable MacBook in 2026 at Rs…: Here’s what to expect

Apple may soon launch its most affordable MacBook yet, with a new chip, fresh colour options, and a price aimed to attract more buyers.

Apple is working on a new MacBook aimed at buyers seeking a lower entry price, according to multiple reports. The company may introduce the device in early 2026, with a starting price of about $599 in the U.S. If that pricing holds, the laptop could become the most affordable MacBook in Apple’s lineup.

Apple may launch its most affordable MacBook with a new chip in 2026.

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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iPhone Chip May Power the New Model

Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reported that Apple may power this model with the A18 Pro chip, a processor used in recent iPhones. Instead of using the M-series chips found in current MacBooks, Apple could rely on this iPhone-class chip to reduce costs while maintaining performance for daily tasks. This shift may allow Apple to offer a MacBook at a lower price without redesigning the product from the ground up.

Reports suggest the laptop may include 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. These specifications match the base configuration of Apple’s existing entry-level Mac models. The device may feature a 12.9-inch LCD display with a 60Hz refresh rate. This setup indicates that Apple will focus on regular use rather than advanced display features.

Industry sources also suggest that Apple may introduce new colour options for this model. The expected shades include silver, blue, pink, and yellow.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has previously reported that Apple plans to position the device as a 13-inch MacBook built around an iPhone-class processor. The company may target buyers who currently choose budget Windows laptops or Chromebooks.

Price (Expected)

While the expected U.S. price stands at $599, Indian buyers may see a higher figure, likely Rs. 54,000, but Apple’s India pricing usually includes import duties and taxes. As a result, the MacBook could launch in India between Rs. 60,000 and Rs. 65,000. Even at that level, the device would cost less than the current MacBook Air in the country.

Some reports have mentioned higher global pricing between $699 and $750. If Apple chooses that range, the Indian price would also rise. Even at a higher cost, the new model would still remain below the current MacBook Air pricing.

To achieve a lower price, Apple may limit hardware features. The company could offer fewer USB-C ports and stick to the base memory option. However, if the A18 Pro chip delivers stable performance with macOS, the device may attract buyers who have waited for a more affordable MacBook option.