New 12.9-inch MacBook could be Apple’s cheapest laptop yet
Apple is preparing a new budget MacBook, expected to launch in late 2025 or early 2026 at a starting price between ₹52,100 and ₹60,800. With a 12.9-inch display, A18 Pro chip, and multiple colour options, it aims to attract students and value-focused buyers
New Delhi: Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch a new entry-level MacBook that could significantly lower the price of entry into its laptop lineup. According to a DigiTimes report citing supply chain sources, this model might arrive as soon as late 2025, starting between 599 and 699 US dollars (around ₹52,100 to ₹60,800). That would make it hundreds of dollars cheaper than the current 13-inch MacBook Air, which starts at 999 US dollars (₹86,900) in the US.
The move is expected to target students and cost-conscious buyers, positioning Apple against budget-friendly Chromebooks. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had earlier noted that Apple was working on a "more affordable” MacBook and predicted a launch in late 2025 or early 2026. The new DigiTimes report adds fresh details, including a slightly smaller 12.9-inch display and an A18 Pro chip; the same processor found in last year’s iPhone 16 Pro models.
Production timeline and specifications
Component production is expected to start by the end of the third quarter of 2025, with final assembly planned at Quanta’s facilities in the fourth quarter. If Apple sticks to this schedule, the MacBook could reach stores by the end of the year or in early 2026.
Unlike Apple’s higher-end laptops, the A18 Pro chip does not support Thunderbolt, so the new model is likely to feature standard USB-C ports. While that could limit certain professional workflows, it may not matter to buyers focused on affordability.
Design and colour options
Kuo has suggested the laptop will have an ultra-thin, lightweight build and be available in Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow finishes. The 12.9-inch screen would make it slightly smaller than the MacBook Air’s 13.6-inch display, possibly improving portability without a major drop in usability.
Market impact
Shipments of the low-cost MacBook could reach between 5 million and 7 million units annually. If that happens, Apple’s total MacBook sales could see a 30 to 40 percent increase in volume.
While there’s no confirmation from Apple yet, the pricing and specifications suggest the company is making a calculated push into a segment it has traditionally ignored. For buyers who want a macOS machine without crossing the ₹85,000 mark, this could be the first realistic option in years.