For the first time, Apple is reportedly planning a MacBook that doesn’t feature an M-series chip — but instead runs on an iPhone-class processor. And according to multiple credible reports, it could be announced as soon as March 2026.
This would be the most affordable MacBook Apple has ever offered, aimed at students, first-time Mac buyers, and anyone priced out of Apple’s usual premium laptops.
💻 What’s Inside: iPhone Chip in a MacBook
Instead of the high-end M-series silicon that Apple uses across its current MacBook Air and Pro lineup, this new model is expected to run on an iPhone-class chip — likely the A18 Pro or similar.
That’s a major departure in Apple’s laptop strategy. Traditionally, Macs have always used Apple’s “M” chips — variants like the M1, M2, M3, and the upcoming M5 — optimized for macOS performance. But using an iPhone chip helps Apple cut costs while retaining excellent power efficiency.
🧠 What This Means in Practice
Everyday Performance: An iPhone-class chip offers plenty of power for tasks like browsing, documents, streaming, and light content creation. Earlier rumors suggest that a chip like A18 Pro performs somewhat close to older M-series chips in basic workloads.
Battery Life: The efficiency of Apple’s A-series chips means strong battery life, likely comparable to or better than some laptops in this price class.
Trade-offs: Expect compromises such as fewer high-end ports (e.g., no Thunderbolt support), possibly base-level RAM/storage, and a slightly more modest screen than premium MacBooks.
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🎨 Design & Colours: Playful, Practical, and Premium
One of the more intriguing rumors is that Apple may give this MacBook a more playful set of colour options — think light yellow, light green, blue, pink, plus classic silver and gray.
This would echo Apple’s bright iMac lineup and could help the laptop stand out from the usual silver/space grey MacBooks while still maintaining a premium aluminium build.
💸 Price Expectations — Finally More “Affordable”
Although Apple hasn’t disclosed pricing, all signs point to something significantly less than $1,000.
Analyst estimates from earlier reports suggested a potential $599–$699 price tag, which would translate to ₹45,000–₹55,000 or so in India — a huge shift from Apple’s usual pricing strategy.
If accurate, this would put Apple’s most affordable MacBook in the same ballpark as many premium Chromebooks, making it far more accessible to students and budget-conscious buyers.
📅 Why March Matters
Apple has traditionally used March events for education-focused hardware and affordability plays. Launching this MacBook next month would:
Give students a compelling laptop option before the spring school term;
Expand Apple’s reach in emerging markets like India;
Complement other spring launches (like refreshed iPads and new iPhones).
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg — one of the industry’s most reliable sources — specifically reports that Apple is planning a March event where this MacBook could be unveiled.
🧠 Why It’s a Big Deal
This is more than just “a cheaper Mac” — it’s Apple rethinking its laptop lineup:
Democratizing Macs: For years, MacBooks have been premium products with premium prices. A sub-$1,000 MacBook breaks that mould.
iPhone and Mac Convergence: Using an iPhone chip inside a MacBook blurs lines between Apple’s mobile and laptop worlds — boosting efficiency and potentially simplifying Apple Silicon development.
Competition for Chromebooks: Affordable Chromebooks hold huge market share in schools and entry-level computing. This new MacBook could be Apple’s answer.
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📌 Bottom Line: Welcome to Affordable Macs
If the rumors are true, Apple’s cheapest MacBook yet — powered by an iPhone chip and launching in March — could change the laptop game. It promises to make the Mac experience accessible to many more people, without sacrificing Apple’s famed build quality or performance ethos.
We’ll know for sure in March — but right now, Apple seems ready to redesign not just its products, but the very idea of what a “MacBook” can be.
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