Apple Reportedly Developing New 12.9-inch MacBook with A18 Pro Chip

Apple is reportedly developing a new 12.9-inch MacBook, targeting the entry-level to mid-range market. This more affordable model is expected to feature the A18 Pro chip, with release estimates ranging from March of the current year to spring 2026.

Overview and Market Positioning

The new MacBook is expected to target the entry-level to mid-range segment, offering a lower-cost alternative within Apple's laptop lineup. Projected starting prices in the U.S. market range from $599 to $899, with estimates frequently citing $699 or $799. This pricing would place it significantly below the current MacBook Air, which typically begins at $999.

With projected starting prices between $599 and $899 in the U.S., the new MacBook aims to be a significantly more affordable option, positioned below the current MacBook Air's $999 entry point.

Market analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo, have indicated Apple's plans for a more affordable MacBook. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also reported on the device's anticipated announcement.

Key Specifications

The device is reportedly equipped with a version of the A18 Pro chip, similar to the one expected in the iPhone 16 Pro. This chip features a 6-core CPU, a 6-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine.

The A18 Pro's performance is deemed comparable to the M1 chip, suggesting this new MacBook could effectively succeed older M1 MacBook Air models.

Display specifications indicate a 12.9-inch screen, a size confirmed by Taiwanese research firm TrendForce and supply chain publication DigiTimes. This display size is slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch screen of the current MacBook Air 13. Reports suggest narrow bezels, potentially resulting in a width similar to a standard laptop keyboard.

The new MacBook is suggested to include 8GB of RAM. In contrast, current MacBook Air and Pro models typically start with at least 16GB of RAM.

Connectivity

The A18 Pro chip reportedly lacks Thunderbolt support. Consequently, the new MacBook is expected to feature standard USB-C ports, which offer slower data transfer speeds and more limited external display capabilities compared to Thunderbolt.

Design and Materials

The design of this lower-cost MacBook may share characteristics with the discontinued 12-inch MacBook, such as an ultra-thin and lightweight chassis. The device is expected to feature a new aluminum shell, manufactured through a process described as faster and more cost-effective than those used for current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models.

Apple has reportedly tested several color options for the device, including light yellow, light green, blue, pink, classic silver, and dark gray. Earlier reports also mentioned silver and yellow as potential color choices.

Anticipated Release Timeline

Reports offer differing timelines for the product's release. Taiwanese research firm TrendForce anticipates a debut in spring 2026. Conversely, other reports, including one by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, suggest a potential announcement as early as March of the current year, or by March or April.

Release timelines for the new MacBook vary significantly, with some reports suggesting a debut as early as March of the current year, while others anticipate a launch in spring 2026.