Apple may soon release a new MacBook with an OLED screen at the high end of the price range. However, new leaks suggest that it may also offer a new, more affordable MacBook.
The list of best MacBooks could soon include a model priced closer to the company's iPad line than its laptops. This new 12.9-inch MacBook may be the first to use the same mobile chips found in the iPhone to cut costs while still providing adequate performance.
What does the most recent information tell us about the new MacBook?
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who specializes in Apple information, told MacRumours that a more affordable 13-inch MacBook was on the way. This occurred back in June.
DigiTimes has added fuel to the rumour fire, reporting that the new laptop could cost between $599 and $699.
The new 12.9-inch MacBook could result in a significant savings over the current $999 model. How does Apple plan to achieve such a drop? It's all about scaling down.
First, Apple is making this a smaller screen than the current 13.6-inch model. So some savings on that 12.9-inch display could help offer the lower price and, most likely, a good battery life.
However, the chip has the potential to significantly reduce the price. According to Kuo, the same A18 Pro chip will be used as in the iPhone 16 Pro last year. This would make it the first Mac device powered by an iPhone chip.
This would mean missing out on the current M-series core chip, resulting in fewer cores, lower memory capacity, and no external display support. It should also mean no Thunderbolt ports, implying that the new 12.9-inch MacBook will only have USB-C.
Rumours are still scarce at this point, but with production not expected until later this year, the new 12.9-inch MacBook is unlikely to be released until 2026, when Kuo claims it will be available in Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow.
It's also worth noting that Apple news may leak this week, while Google makes the most noise with its Made by Google event on August 20th.
