Apple is expected to soon launch an affordable MacBook that might even cost less than an iPhone. The rumours about the same have been going on for quite some time and recently, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman shared fresh updates about the same. According to Gurman, the Cupertino-based tech giant is developing a lower-priced MacBook expected to launch in 2026. The device is reportedly aimed at students and casual users, marking Apple’s first real attempt to take on the dominance of Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops. Interestingly, earlier reports had already hinted that Apple’s budget MacBook could start at around $600, which is roughly ₹55,000 in India.
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Gurman says that Apple’s affordable MacBook line is still in the works and is likely to debut sometime in 2026. The product is expected to sit below the current MacBook Air lineup, both in price and performance, while still running Apple’s in-house silicon chips. The move could signal a new strategy for Apple – one that prioritises accessibility and volume over premium margins, especially in markets like education where price often determines choice.
Back in August, supply chain reports suggested that Apple was exploring a MacBook model priced as low as $600 (around ₹55,000). The device was said to feature a metal body but with some cost-cutting in materials and display technology to keep the price low. If this pricing holds true, the new MacBook could undercut even the iPhone 16 base model, potentially becoming Apple’s most affordable computing device in years.
An affordable MacBook could help Apple expand its user base, especially among students and first-time Mac buyers. It could also give the company a competitive edge in emerging markets like India, where budget-friendly Windows laptops and Chromebooks currently dominate. With a 2026 timeline, the new MacBook could arrive just in time for Apple’s next major silicon refresh, possibly powered by a stripped-down version of the M4 chip.
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