New ‘MacBook’ rumor sounds like Apple’s taking the iPad approach

6 days ago 1

Apple is rumored to be making a new ‘MacBook’ device for launch later this year or in early 2026. And based on the early details, it sounds a lot like Apple’s taking the iPad approach with its new MacBook and the Mac line as a whole.

Rumored ’MacBook’ will be cheaper, use iPhone chip, more

Apple tends to develop products with years-long timelines, and thanks to leaks, it’s rare for a product to entirely surprise.

But yesterday a new rumor of a cheaper ‘MacBook’ suggests the device will launch in the next 6-9 months.

Perhaps one reason it hasn’t leaked sooner is that the hardware takes existing parts and repurposes them. Thus the expected cheaper starting price in the $699-799 range.

Ming-Chi Kuo believes it will have a 13-inch display, about the same as the MacBook Air—I suspect it might be basically identical.

And the MacBook will use an A18 Pro chip, which has been part of the iPhone for almost a year now.

For those wanting a cutting edge Mac, this product won’t be it.

I’m not personally all that interested in buying the new MacBook. But what fascinates me about this product is what it says about Apple’s Mac strategy.

By adding the new MacBook to its lineup, Apple seems to be applying its iPad approach to the Mac.

Expanding the Mac lineup to look more like the iPad

By adding a new, cheaper MacBook to the Mac lineup, Apple will give shoppers more choices than ever.

And this is exactly what’s happened with the iPad over the years.

Depending on your budget and needs, you can buy the:

iPad for $349
iPad mini for $499
iPad Air for $599
iPad Pro for $999

The iPad Air has become very successful for Apple, especially since the 13-inch model launched.

But for lots of shoppers, they just want the most affordable iPad. And that model is still very capable! Even more so with iPadOS 26’s new windowing features.