Apple Rumored to Launch 'Cheap' $599 MacBook

New budget-friendly MacBook could pose a threat to Windows laptops and Chromebooks

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Apple is rumored to be announcing a new 'cheap' 13-inch MacBook at its upcoming March 4 event in New York. The device is expected to feature Apple's A18 chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 16 Pro, allowing Apple to keep costs low. Analysts estimate the new MacBook could start around $599, significantly undercutting the current $749 entry-level MacBook Air and posing a challenge to budget Windows laptops and Chromebooks.

Why it matters

Apple's entrance into the budget laptop market would be a significant shift for the company, which has traditionally focused on the premium tier. This new affordable MacBook could help Apple gain market share in an area it has historically lacked, appealing to students, budget-conscious users, and those looking for a portable travel device that integrates well with their iPhone.

The details

The new MacBook is rumored to feature the A18 chip, a powerful processor that, while not quite matching the performance of Apple's M-series chips, should be more than capable of handling everyday tasks. The device is also expected to have a less flashy display and a smaller form factor to keep costs down. While the new MacBook may lack some features like Thunderbolt support and a high-end camera, it is likely to be well-suited for web browsing, productivity, and iPhone integration.

  • Apple is set to make a series of product announcements at a 'special experience' event on March 4, 2026 in New York.
  • The new 'cheap' 13-inch MacBook is rumored to be announced at this event.

The players

Apple

A multinational technology company that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.

Mark Gurman

An Apple insider and author of Bloomberg's Power On newsletter, who is confident the new MacBook will be 'well under $1,000'.

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What they’re saying

“Apple's new affordable 13-inch MacBook is rumored to feature a low-power A18 processor -- the same chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro -- rather than the typical M-series processors used in MacBooks. This would allow it to keep costs low, particularly if paired with more modest hardware such as a less flashy display and a smaller form factor.”

— Kyle Kucharski, Author (zdnet.com)

What’s next

The new MacBook is expected to be announced at Apple's event on March 4, 2026 in New York.

The takeaway

Apple's rumored 'cheap' MacBook could disrupt the budget laptop market, posing a challenge to Windows laptops and Chromebooks. This move represents a strategic shift for Apple, as the company looks to expand its reach and appeal to a wider range of consumers, including students and budget-conscious users.