KEY TAKEAWAYS
  • Bloomberg reports Apple is testing a lower-cost MacBook for H1 2026 that uses an iPhone-class A-series chip, not M-series.
  • Price is rumoured to be “well under $1,000,” with some reports floating $599–$699.
  • Earlier rumours point to an A18 Pro chip, sub-13.6-inch LCD, and colours like silver, blue, pink and yellow.

Apple may finally be cooking up a cheaper MacBook, aimed at students and casual users who want a solid laptop without paying MacBook Air money. Multiple reports say it could use an iPhone-class A-series chip, with a launch pencilled in for the first half of 2026.

Pricing is tipped to be well under $1,000, and the screen is smaller than today’s 13.6-inch Air. The big question is Apple Intelligence support, since that currently needs M-series on Mac. Here’s everything we know so far, plus what it would mean in the UAE.

What the reports actually say

Bloomberg’s report, echoed by outlets you can actually read without a subscription, says Apple is testing a low-cost MacBook with an iPhone A-series chip, targeting web browsing, document editing and light media work. It’s aimed at students, small businesses and anyone who almost bought an iPad with a keyboard but didn’t.

  • Launch window: first half of 2026
  • Chip: iPhone-class A-series instead of M-series
  • Price: “well under $1,000”
  • Display: LCD, smaller than the Air’s 13.6 inches
  • Codename: J700

Tests reportedly show the A-series part can beat the older M1 in some metrics, which helps explain the move down-market. The pitch is simple: keep the build quality, trim the costly bits, and use a cooler-running mobile chip.

A18 Pro, A19 Pro… which chip are we talking about?

Early chatter from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo pointed to the A18 Pro, the chip from the iPhone 16 Pro line, with production in late 2025 or early 2026 and fun colour options. Newer round-ups keep it broad: simply “A-series.” Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro uses the A19 Pro chip, so the “same chip as iPhone 17 Pro” claim doesn’t hold.

  • Rumoured options: A18 Pro in some reports; others don’t commit
  • Takeaway: expect an A-series chip, but don’t bet on A19 Pro in a budget Mac
  • Rationale: cost, thermals, and enough performance for everyday use

Apple hasn’t said a word here, so treat all chip specifics as fluid. The strategic bit is clear: an A-series Mac lets Apple hit lower prices while maintaining strong battery life.

Size, design and the “12-inch is back?” whispers

Most reports suggest a screen smaller than 13.6 inches, with an LCD to save cost. There are also repeated mentions of bright colours to match iMac vibes. Some supply-chain chatter pegs it at roughly 13 inches, while a few point to 12.9 inches. A true 12-inch revival is mostly wishful thinking in opinion pieces.

  • Likely: sub-13.6-inch LCD, no ProMotion or mini-LED
  • Maybe: silver, blue, pink, yellow finishes
  • Less likely: a brand-new 12.0-inch class return

If Apple keeps the chassis thin and light like the old 12-inch MacBook, expect a very portable machine that lives on a lecture desk or café table without complaining.

Apple Intelligence on a budget Mac: will it work?

Right now, Apple Intelligence on Mac requires M-series (M1 or later). That’s Apple’s own line. An A-series Mac would be a first, so compatibility isn’t guaranteed unless Apple updates the rules next year. If AI features are critical to you, be cautious.

  • Today’s requirement: Mac with M1 or later for Apple Intelligence
  • Unknown: whether an A-series Mac will be whitelisted
  • Practical tip: Students who need AI features now should look at the M-series Air

For context, here’s our quick piece on Apple’s M5 push and what it means for AI workloads on Macs. It shows where Apple is heading on-device.

UAE pricing context and who this is for

The 13-inch MacBook Air M4 starts at AED 3,999, or AED 3,579 with education pricing in the UAE. If Apple ships a sub-$1,000 Mac, you’re looking at a machine that could land well below the Air’s price here, depending on local configurations and VAT.

  • Students who live in Google Docs and Chrome
  • Remote workers who need battery life over raw grunt
  • Families buying a first Mac

If you’d rather not wait, check our guides: Best Back to School laptop deals in the UAE, and How much RAM do you need for your MacBook?. For gaming expectations on Apple Silicon, here’s a reality check: Cyberpunk 2077 on a Mac.

FAQs

When will the budget MacBook launch?

Rumours point to the first half of 2026. Apple hasn’t confirmed anything.

Will it really use an A-series iPhone chip?

That’s the core of the report. It would be Apple’s first Mac using an A-series instead of M-series.

Is the chip the same as in iPhone 17 Pro?

We don't know. Early laptop rumours mentioned A18 Pro from iPhone 16 Pro, but recent coverage just says “A-series.”

Will it support Apple Intelligence?

Lazim. Today Apple Intelligence on Mac needs M1 or later. Apple would have to make an exception or expand support.

How much might it cost in the UAE?

Global rumour puts it under $1,000, with some sources saying $599–$699. If that sticks, local pricing should sit well below the Air’s AED 3,999 retail, but VAT, configs and channel pricing matter.

Note: Everything above is rumour until Apple confirms it. If the plan changes or the chip choice shifts, we’ll update this piece with fresh sources.