Apple is developing a more affordable Mac notebook that’s set to come out in the first half of 2026, according to Bloomberg. The machine will cost “well under $1,000” and it will compete with affordable Windows machines and Chromebooks.
Apple’s lowest priced Mac notebook right now is the MacBook Air, which starts at $999, though students can get a $100 discount through the Education Store. The Mac mini desktop machine is more affordable at $599, but it is not portable and does not come with a display or peripherals.
While Apple has long had a more affordable “SE” version of the iPhone, Macs have always been more expensive, premium devices. Cheaper PCs have seen success with students and those that don’t need capabilities beyond web browsing and document creation.
The low-cost Mac could replace the entry-level iPad and keyboard combo that some people use as an affordable way to get a PC-capable Apple device.
We’ve heard multiple rumors about Apple’s plan for a lower-cost notebook over the last few months. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in June that the machine would have a 13-inch display and an A-series iPhone processor rather than a Mac processor. Apple will reportedly use the A18 Pro chip that first came out in the iPhone 16 Pro.
Kuo said that Apple could offer the Mac in bright colors like the iMac, selling it in Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow.
The low-cost MacBook will not replace any existing Mac in Apple’s lineup, and it will be sold alongside M5 versions of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro that Apple plans to debut early in 2026.
Popular Stories
Report: Apple to Launch These New Products in 2026
Apple is planning to launch at least 15 new products in 2026, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Gurman outlined what to expect from Apple in 2026 in the latest edition of his “Power On” newsletter. He said the company is heading “into one of its most pivotal years in recent memory,” with the rollout of major new Apple Intelligence features, intense regulatory pressure on the App Store,…
New Version of Siri to ‘Lean’ on Google Gemini
In his “Power On” newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman today provided an update on the status of Apple Intelligence and the plans for it in 2026. Apple is still planning to roll out its revamped version of Siri around March of next year. The release should be accompanied by the release of a new smart home display product with speaker-base and wall-mount options. A new Apple TV and HomePod…
New Apple TV and HomePod Mini Likely Launching Soon
A new Apple TV and HomePod mini could launch as soon as this month, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman today suggested. In today’s “Power On” newsletter, Gurman said that Apple retail stores are planning an overnight refresh on the evening of November 11, where changes will be made after closing, such as refreshing displays and placing new products for the following day. The timing of the overnight…
The Best Early Black Friday Apple Deals
We’re officially in the month of Black Friday, which will take place on Friday, November 28 in 2025. As always, this will be the best time of the year to shop for great deals, including popular Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and more. In this article, the majority of the discounts will be found on Amazon. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When …
iOS 26.1 Available Today With These 8 New Features
Update: Apple has released iOS 26.1. Following more than a month of beta testing, Apple is expected to release iOS 26.1 this Monday, November 3. The update includes a handful of new features and changes, including the ability to adjust the look of Liquid Glass and more. Below, we outline key details about iOS 26.1. Liquid Glass Toggle iOS 26.1 lets you choose your preferred look for …
iPhone Fold: Launch, Pricing, and What to Expect From Apple’s Foldable
Apple is expected to launch a new foldable iPhone next year, based on multiple rumors and credible sources. The long-awaited device has been rumored for years now, but signs increasingly suggest that 2026 could indeed be the year that Apple releases its first foldable device. Below, we’ve collated an updated set of key details that have been leaked about Apple’s foldable iPhone so far. Ove…
Apple Releases macOS Tahoe 26.1 With New Liquid Glass Setting and More
Apple today released macOS Tahoe 26.1, the first major update to the macOS Tahoe operating system that came out in September. macOS Tahoe 26.1 comes 49 days after Apple first released macOS Tahoe. Mac users can download the macOS Tahoe update by using the Software Update section of System Settings. macOS Tahoe 26.1 adds a toggle that allows you to select a Tinted mode for Liquid Glass,…
