Apple could release an affordable MacBook with a chip from the iPhone in 2026

Apple may be preparing a new MacBook for users who want compactness but don’t want the price of flagship models.

According to analyst firm TrendForce, Apple is working on a compact MacBook with a 12.9-inch screen. The device is expected to be released in the spring of 2026. If confirmed, the laptop would rank below the MacBook Air lineup and would mark Apple’s return to compact laptops after discontinuing the 12-inch MacBook a few years ago.

The screen size will be slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air, but the overall dimensions may remain close to the standard keyboard due to thin bezels. The approach is reminiscent of the ultra-lightweight 12-inch MacBook from 2015 to 2017, which was prized for its portability but often criticized for its poor performance.

The MacBook Air will have a slightly smaller screen, but with slim bezels, the overall size could remain close to the standard keyboard.

This time, the performance problem may be solved. TrendForce claims that the new MacBook could get Apple’s A18 Pro processor — the same chip used in the iPhone 16 Pro lineup. While it’s not an M-series processor, preliminary performance estimates point to a significant boost over the Intel chips in the older 12-inch MacBook. Single-core performance is rumored to be several times faster, and multi-threaded performance — in lightweight tasks could approach the level of the first M1.

At the same time, it’s expected to be several times faster, and multi-threading — in lightweight tasks, it could approach the level of the first M1.

Energy efficiency could also be a strong point of the device, as the chip is initially designed to work in a compact smartphone chassis without active cooling. The laptop will probably focus on long battery life and quiet operation, rather than high sustained performance under load. That makes it more suitable for travel and everyday tasks than for professionals.

At the same time, it’s likely to be more suitable for travel and everyday tasks than for professionals.

Pricing information is not yet available. However, TrendForce speculates that Apple may price the new product below the MacBook Air, which now costs from $799 in some regions. Using a smartphone-class processor could help the company keep costs down, especially amid rising memory prices.

An Apple product may be priced below the MacBook Air, which is now priced from $799 in some regions.

The timing may also be no coincidence. Analysts expect laptop prices to rise markedly in 2026 due to DRAM shortages associated with high demand for AI servers. A more affordable MacBook could help Apple stay competitive amid supply issues and price hikes from other manufacturers.

A more affordable MacBook could help Apple stay competitive amid supply issues and price increases from other manufacturers.

This is just a rumor for now, and there’s no official confirmation. But if the information turns out to be true, Apple could return to the compact MacBook concept — this time with far fewer compromises.