Apple’s cheapest MacBook ever: First look and release info
Apple to unveil new MacBook on March 4 (photo: Getty Images)
Apple is preparing to launch a completely new budget MacBook that is set to become the main sensation of the major presentation on March 4. CEO Tim Cook has already teased an important week with the hashtag #AppleLaunch, while official press events will take place simultaneously in New York, London, and Shanghai.
RBC-Ukraine shares more details about the new MacBook, which will be presented this week.
New design and the “MacBook for the masses” concept
According to reputable outlet MacRumors, the new affordable laptop will feature an aluminum body that closely resembles the current MacBook Air design.
The device is expected to have a display measuring between 12.9 and 13 inches, depending on the source.
Analysts suggest the new model could become a conceptual successor to the compact 12-inch MacBook, which was previously valued for its extreme lightness.
To achieve a lower price, Apple will likely have to make certain compromises. The laptop may feature a slightly thicker body compared to the Air lineup, allowing the company to use more cost-effective manufacturing technologies and install a larger battery.
The screen is also expected to have lower brightness, lack True Tone support, and possibly come without keyboard backlighting.
These characteristics would make the device an ideal Chromebook alternative for students and the education sector.
Apple to unveil new MacBook on March 4 (photo: apple.com)
Tech revolution: an iPhone chip inside a Mac
The key feature of the new MacBook will be its heart. For the first time in its history, Apple plans to move away from M-series computer chips in its laptops in favor of the mobile A18 Pro platform, currently used in the iPhone 16 Pro. This strategic step is expected to significantly lower the device’s price while maintaining Apple’s signature smooth performance.
The A18 Pro chip is built using a second-generation 3-nanometer process. It features a 6-core CPU (4 performance cores and 2 efficiency cores), a 6-core GPU, and a powerful 16-core Neural Engine specifically optimized for Apple Intelligence AI tasks.
According to Geekbench tests, the A18 Pro delivers impressive results for a mobile processor.
Its average single-core score reaches 3451 — higher than Apple’s first “computer” chip, the Apple M1. Moreover, in single-core performance, the new chip comes close to the flagship iPad Pro powered by the Apple M4 (3694 points).
The main difference becomes noticeable in multi-core tasks: the A18 Pro scores around 8572, while the professional M4 exceeds 13,700. This means a MacBook powered by the A18 Pro will be an ideal tool for everyday routine tasks:
-
instantly opening dozens of browser tabs
-
working with large text documents and spreadsheets
-
watching high-quality video and basic photo editing
However, its limitations should be understood: this laptop is not designed for heavy 4K rendering, complex 3D modeling, or professional gaming.
It is positioned as a reliable workhorse for studying — Apple’s answer to the popular budget Chromebooks widely used in the US and Europe.
Apple to unveil new MacBook on March 4 (photo: Getty Images)
Memory and storage: a golden middle between Mac and iPhone
The RAM question remains a topic of debate. Modern Mac computers now start with 16 GB of RAM, while the iPhone 16 Pro runs on 8 GB.
Since 8 GB is considered the critical minimum for proper operation of Apple Intelligence neural networks, the budget MacBook is expected to come with this amount in its base configuration.
However, to maintain its status as a computer, Apple may still offer 16 GB in some configurations.
For storage, the company might implement another cost-saving measure. While the MacBook Air starts at 256 GB, this budget model may return to a 128 GB configuration.
This would further lower the entry price, making the laptop as accessible as possible for students.
In particular, the USB-C ports on the new MacBook are not expected to support Thunderbolt.
This means users will likely be able to connect only one external display, and data transfer speeds via the ports and SSD will be lower than on more expensive models.
Color palette and expected price
Apple plans to release the new MacBook in bright colors to emphasize its youth-oriented design.
According to Bloomberg sources, the company tested light yellow, light green, blue, pink, silver, and dark gray options.
The most likely scenario is that at least four colors will be available at launch, echoing the iPad color palette.
As for price, experts predict a range between $599 and $799 (approximately 26,000–34,000 UAH). This is significantly cheaper than the MacBook Air, which starts at $999 (~43,000 UAH).
Thus, the new budget MacBook will fill the price niche between the iPad Air and the company’s professional laptops.
Apple Launch 2026 week: schedule and format
Starting Monday, March 2, the tech world enters anticipation mode for Apple’s first major announcements of the year.
CEO Tim Cook didn’t use the hashtag #AppleLaunch by accident — the company decided to move away from a single short presentation in favor of a full week of releases.
This means that as early as March 2–3, the official Apple website may publish the first press releases about updated accessories or minor iPad refreshes, setting the stage for the main event.
The central day of the week will be Wednesday, March 4. Apple will host a series of closed media events in key global hubs: New York, London, and Shanghai.
This choice of locations highlights the global scale of the budget MacBook launch — the company is targeting education markets in the US, Europe, and Asia simultaneously.
The hands-on format, which invites journalists to test the devices immediately after the official presentation, indicates that the new products will be available for live demonstrations right away.
In addition to the budget laptop, this week will be important for Apple’s smartphone lineup.
The announced iPhone 17e is expected to redefine affordable Apple devices, offering a premium design at a lower price.
Analysts also expect minor updates to the Mac mini and standard iPad models, which may get new colors and improved Wi-Fi 7 modules.
Overall, with these new products, Apple appears to be betting on mass appeal: instead of focusing solely on professional users, the company is returning to its roots — creating accessible yet stylish tools for learning and everyday life.
Previously, we reported that Apple introduced its own AI model capable of interpreting and editing images almost like a human.
