Apple could be preparing a new entry-level MacBook aimed at buyers who want portability without flagship pricing.
According to TrendForce, the company is working on a compact MacBook with a 12.9-inch display, expected to launch sometime in spring 2026. If accurate, it would sit below the current MacBook Air lineup and mark Apple’s return to smaller notebooks after discontinuing the 12-inch MacBook years ago.
The display size would be slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air, though slim bezels could keep the overall footprint close to a standard keyboard. That approach would echo the ultra-light 12-inch MacBook Apple sold between 2015 and 2017, which was praised for portability but often criticized for weak performance.
This time, performance may not be the problem. TrendForce claims the new MacBook could use the Apple A18 Pro, the same chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro series. While it’s not an M-series processor, benchmark estimates suggest a large jump over the Intel chips used in the old 12-inch model. Single-core performance is reportedly several times higher, while multi-core results could approach the original M1 in lighter workloads.
Thermal efficiency could also be a strong point, as the chip is designed to run inside an iPhone’s much smaller chassis without active cooling. The device would likely prioritize battery life and silent operation over sustained heavy performance. That could make it a better fit for travelers and everyday productivity rather than power users.
Pricing is still unclear. However, TrendForce suggests Apple could position the model below the MacBook Air, which currently starts around $799 in some markets. Using iPhone-class silicon may help Apple control costs, especially as memory prices continue to rise.
The timing may not be accidental. Analysts expect laptop prices to climb sharply in 2026, driven by DRAM shortages linked to AI server demand. A lower-cost MacBook could help Apple stay competitive as PC makers struggle with supply and pricing pressure.
For now, nothing is official. But if the report holds up, Apple may be revisiting a compact MacBook formula—this time with far fewer compromises than before.
Don’t miss a thing! Join our Telegram community for instant updates and grab our free daily newsletter for the best tech stories!
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
(Source)
