We are now receiving independent verification from multiple sources that the launch of Apple's new low-cost MacBook is imminent, with the latest report focusing on the spring of 2026 as the most likely period for a formal debut.
GF Securities' Jeff Pu notes that Apple will launch its low-cost MacBook alongside the iPhone 17e and the 12th-gen iPad in the spring of 2026
Bloomberg's legendary tipster, Mark Gurman, had reported in early November that Apple's low-cost MacBook was likely to launch in the first half of 2026, with the device already in the early production-related testing phase.
Now, GF Securities' Jeff Pu has come forward with a corroboration, declaring in an investment note spotted by MacRumors that Apple will launch its low-cost MacBook alongside the iPhone 17e and the 12th-gen iPad in the spring of 2026.
The analyst has also confirmed Apple's changing launch cadence for next year, which would see the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the much-anticipated iPhone Fold launch in the fall of 2026, while the base iPhone 18, the iPhone 18e, and the iPhone Air 2 are likely to make their debut in the spring of 2027.
Pu also notes that Apple is likely to use an iPhone-geared, A-series chip to power the all-new low-cost MacBook, which is expected to be priced between $599 and $899.
We've aggregated the low-cost MacBook's expected specs in a dedicated post. As such, the new device is likely to feature:
- A 13.6-inch LCD panel.
- The A18 Pro SoC.
- A USB 3.2 Gen 2 controller capable of speeds of 10Gb/s or 1.25GB/s.
- No Thunderbolt controllers.
- Apple is likely to use the aluminum chassis of the MacBook Air for its upcoming low-cost MacBook, albeit with reduced component specs.
- A haptic trackpad, but without a backlit keyboard.
- A 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.
Apple's raison d'être for launching a low-cost MacBook
Apple is targeting students, businesses, and casual users with its new budget MacBook, and seems to be pursuing a somewhat aberrant strategy, especially as the Cupertino giant typically only targets the margin-heavy, premium segments of the market.
Of course, by launching a low-cost MacBook in the coming months, Apple would inevitably pick up some of the upgrade activity that is being driven by Microsoft's forced obsolescence of its Windows 10 OS, significantly expanding its TAM in the process.
Do note that Apple has already experimented with quasi-budget MacBook offerings by discounting the M1 MacBook Air to below $700 price point via Walmart. However, a dedicated low-cost MacBook would mark one of Apple's most concerted efforts to date to target the low-end segments of the market.
Currently, the M4 MacBook Air is Apple's cheapest MacBook, which retails for $999. However, student discounts can bring down the device's price to $899.
About the author: Writing is my one incontrovertible passion. Over the past six years, he has authored over 2,200 distinct articles on financial and tech-related topics, spanning nearly 1 million words. And he has been a member of Wcctech mobile team since 2025. As an alumnus of the University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce Program, I bring nuance, in-depth knowledge, and a unique perspective to every topic that I cover. When I'm not writing, I'm traveling the world, exploring hidden confectionaries and restaurants as an aspiring food connoisseur.
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