Apple is expected to launch a new 12.9-inch MacBook in spring 2026, targeting the entry-level to mid-range laptop market, according to Taiwanese research firm TrendForce.
In a recent press release, TrendForce said the notebook will feature “competitive pricing,” positioning it below the current MacBook Air line. The report aligns with previous rumors of a more affordable MacBook built around a version of the A18 Pro chip used in the iPhone 16 Pro.
Industry expectations point to a U.S. starting price somewhere between $599 and $899, with $699 or $799 seen as the most likely configurations. The device would sit beneath the MacBook Air, which officially starts at $999 but is often discounted by retailers.
The A18 Pro is expected to deliver performance roughly comparable to Apples M1 chip, suggesting the new model could effectively replace the earlier M1-based MacBook Air that remains available through some third-party sellers.
- CPU: 6-core
- GPU: 6-core
- Neural Engine: 16-core
The A18 Pro platform could also define the rest of the hardware. The laptop is rumored to ship with 8GB of RAM, less than the 16GB minimum now standard across current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models. Because the A18 Pro lacks Thunderbolt support, the notebook would likely rely on standard USB-C ports, with lower data transfer speeds and more limited external display options than Thunderbolt-equipped Macs.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously reported that Apple was planning a lower-cost MacBook with a display of around 13 inches and an A18 Pro chip, and suggested it may come in silver, blue, pink, and yellow finishes reminiscent of the iMac lineup.
Later, Taiwanese outlet DigiTimes reported that the new MacBook would instead feature a 12.9-inch display, similar in size to some iPad Air and iPad Pro models. TrendForces latest note appears to support the 12.9-inch screen size, placing the new model just below the 13.6-inch MacBook Air in terms of display dimensions.
The upcoming notebook is expected to emphasize a thin and lightweight design, drawing comparisons to the discontinued 12-inch MacBook. If the reported timing holds, Apple could introduce the new model as early as March or April 2026.