Apple to release A18 Pro-powered MacBook in 2026

Let's just hope it is fast enough.

Recently, many sources have reported that Apple is looking to release a low-cost MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip in 2026. It could have 8GB of RAM, given the A18 Pro chip, a smaller, LCD screen than the current 13.6-inch MacBook Air, and possibly even fun colors like the new iMac.

Rumors have been swirling about this colorful, 12-inch MacBook ever since the iMac 24-inch was released in 2021. Now, it looks like Apple is finally bringing it to market. However, it needs to be priced right for consumers to buy it. Many MacBooks, like the current M4 MacBook Air (and now discontinued models) are often discounted on Amazon and at other retailers. Walmart even has the M1 MacBook Air for $599. So, this new low cost option needs to compete with the cheaper, but more powerful offerings.

Some reports are also mentioning that it could be an A19 Pro chip, instead of last year's A18 Pro. This could mean that the MacBook would have 12 GB of RAM, but Apple could still change this.

The biggest competitor Apple is aiming for right now is Chromebooks. They have been dominating the education space, where iMacs were previously dominating. Then, with COVID, students needed laptops and MacBooks were too expensive, so they turned to Chromebooks. It appears that Apple wants to gain back some of that market share and get a chunk of the education space again.

Either way, the new low-cost MacBook will be interesting, especially with an iPhone chip. We will have to wait and see what Apple does soon.