Apple Could Launch A Budget MacBook Using iPhone Chipset In 2026: What We Know
Apple is likely to bring a cheaper MacBook variant to the market in 2026. The details about the rumoured product come via Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst tracking the company and its future plans. Kuo claims Apple could use the iPhone chipset to power this MacBook variant which could help in a big way to keep the launch price much lower than what you pay for the base MacBook Air variant these days.
The analyst also points out that Apple has big plans for this product which could go into production either by late 2025 or early 2026 and become official sometime next year.
Budget MacBook Launch: Does Apple Need It?
The details from Kuo also suggest this MacBook could be available in colourful options rather than staying limited to the grey, blacks or even rose gold. He does mention that the MacBook will carry the same 13-inch display size as the Mac Air but we expect the screen features to be slightly toned down to match its price tag.
The cheapest MacBook Air comes for Rs 94,000 and we have barely seen Apple bring a Mac priced below $999 (Rs 85,000 approx), which gives the brand the room to launch a newer variant. But how low can Apple go with this version? The iPhone 16E that has replaced the SE moniker this year starts at Rs 59,900 which has given us an underwhelming iPhone in the market.
Apple's general consensus with launching affordable products is linked to its obvious premium image. So, even if the iPhone processor aids with the cost of manufacturing the product, we can't see the company launching a MacBook for under $700 (Rs 60,000 approx) in the market.
The M-series silicon have shown us Apple's focus on performance and reliability and the A-series processors are quite close to these levels, and the benchmark scores have proven them over the years.
The thought of Apple launching a cheaper MacBook feels rather weird, especially with the iPad Air and Pro models hanging around in the lineup. The company has said that iPads will never become MacBooks but a new model could change the dynamics and interest of the buyers.
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