New ‘MacBook’ rumor sounds like Apple’s taking the iPad approach

Apple is rumored to be making a new ‘MacBook’ device for launch later this year or in early 2026. And based on the early details, it sounds a lot like Apple’s taking the iPad approach with its new MacBook and the Mac line as a whole.

Rumored ’MacBook’ will be cheaper, use iPhone chip, more

Apple tends to develop products with years-long timelines, and thanks to leaks, it’s rare for a product to entirely surprise.

But yesterday a new rumor of a cheaper ‘MacBook’ suggests the device will launch in the next 6-9 months.

Perhaps one reason it hasn’t leaked sooner is that the hardware takes existing parts and repurposes them. Thus the expected cheaper starting price in the $699-799 range.

Ming-Chi Kuo believes it will have a 13-inch display, about the same as the MacBook Air—I suspect it might be basically identical.

And the MacBook will use an A18 Pro chip, which has been part of the iPhone for almost a year now.

For those wanting a cutting edge Mac, this product won’t be it.

I’m not personally all that interested in buying the new MacBook. But what fascinates me about this product is what it says about Apple’s Mac strategy.

By adding the new MacBook to its lineup, Apple seems to be applying its iPad approach to the Mac.

Expanding the Mac lineup to look more like the iPad

By adding a new, cheaper MacBook to the Mac lineup, Apple will give shoppers more choices than ever.

And this is exactly what’s happened with the iPad over the years.

Depending on your budget and needs, you can buy the:

• iPad for $349
• iPad mini for $499
• iPad Air for $599
• iPad Pro for $999

The iPad Air has become very successful for Apple, especially since the 13-inch model launched.

But for lots of shoppers, they just want the most affordable iPad. And that model is still very capable! Even more so with iPadOS 26’s new windowing features.

With the Mac, though technically there are more models available, the vast majority are niche desktop options.

Almost all Mac shoppers buy a laptop. And right now, there are two choices: MacBook Air or MacBook Pro.

Pretty soon though, the lineup will expand to welcome a lot more buyers.

Here’s what that could look like:

• MacBook for $699-799
• MacBook Air for $999
• MacBook Pro for $1,599

Expanding the lineup means more users are likely to choose a Mac for their next computer.

iPad has long been the go-to tablet for many—especially if you own an iPhone.

But the Mac has continued to face fierce competition from PCs, which I suspect has a lot to do with its $999 starting price.

With a ‘MacBook’ added to the lineup, perhaps shoppers will start defaulting to the Mac like they default to the iPad.

What do you think of Apple adding a new, cheaper ‘MacBook’ to the lineup? Let us know in the comments.

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