Apple to Unveil Lower-Cost MacBook Next Week

New entry-level laptop expected to start at $699 or $799

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Apple is set to announce a new lower-cost MacBook at its upcoming "Apple Experience" events next week. The laptop is expected to feature the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro, a 12.9-inch display, and come in fun color options like yellow, green, blue, and pink. While early estimates had the starting price as low as $599, the laptop is now rumored to start at $699 or $799 due to rising component costs.

Why it matters

The introduction of a more affordable MacBook option could help Apple reach a wider consumer base and make its laptops more accessible, especially for college students and others on tighter budgets. This new model aims to compete with Chromebooks and other low-cost laptops in the education and entry-level computing markets.

The details

According to supply chain sources, the new lower-cost MacBook will be assembled primarily by Quanta Computer, with Foxconn joining in later. Mass production was originally planned for late 2025 but was pushed back to the first quarter of 2026. The laptop is expected to have 8GB of RAM and regular USB-C ports instead of faster Thunderbolt ports to help keep costs down.

  • Mass production of the new MacBook is expected to begin next month.
  • The "Apple Experience" events showcasing the new MacBook will be held on Wednesday, March 4 at 9 a.m. Eastern Time.

The players

Quanta Computer

The primary assembler of the new lower-cost MacBook.

Foxconn

Expected to join in assembling the new MacBook later on.

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What’s next

The media will likely receive hands-on time with the lower-cost MacBook at the "Apple Experience" events being held on March 4.

The takeaway

Apple's introduction of a more affordable MacBook option could help the company reach a wider consumer base and make its laptops more accessible, especially for budget-conscious consumers and students.