Apple is preparing multiple product announcements next week, leading up to a special “Apple Experience” event for the press on Wednesday. Among the expected launches is a new lower-cost MacBook that targets students and entry-level buyers. Fresh supply chain details now suggest that the device is close to release, with shipments set to begin soon.
The new MacBook will reportedly enter volume production in the first quarter of 2026, aligning with expectations for a March launch. Apple originally planned mass production for late 2025, but delays pushed the schedule into early 2026. At the same time, Apple continues to manage rising component costs, especially for memory and battery parts, which now shape the final pricing strategy.
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Digitimes reports that Apple expects volume shipments to begin in March, with supply chain sources estimating 15 to 16 million units over the first two years.
“With costs climbing, the affordability of the ‘budget’ MacBook is increasingly in question.”
The report adds that early pricing discussions centered around a $599 starting point in the United States, but recent estimates now place the device between $699 and $749, with some projections reaching $799. College students are expected to receive a $100 discount through Apple’s education store, which could soften the impact of higher base pricing.
A18 Pro Chip and 12.9-Inch Display
The lower-cost MacBook will reportedly use the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro instead of an M-series processor. It will feature a 12.9-inch display, making it smaller than the current 13.6-inch MacBook Air. Based on the A18 Pro configuration, the laptop is expected to ship with 8GB of RAM and standard USB-C ports rather than Thunderbolt.
Quanta Computer will reportedly handle primary assembly, while Foxconn may join production later. The design will resemble the MacBook Air but offer reduced specifications to maintain lower costs. Apple has also tested the device in multiple colors, including light yellow, green, blue, pink, silver, and dark gray, echoing the playful tones once seen on the iBook.
Apple will likely announce the device through a press release, with hands-on access provided during “Apple Experience” gatherings in New York, London, and Shanghai. If the reports hold, this will mark the first entry-level MacBook with Apple silicon under the standalone MacBook name.
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