Apple set to launch affordable MacBooks with bold colours and a18 pro chip

Apple is reportedly preparing to unveil a new line of budget-friendly MacBooks designed to make its laptop ecosystem more accessible. The upcoming devices are expected to combine simplified hardware with a significantly lower price tag than current models, marking a notable shift in the company’s strategy.

Beyond the reduced cost, the new lineup will stand out thanks to a distinctive design choice: brighter, more playful colours. According to well-known journalist Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter for Bloomberg, Apple plans to introduce eye-catching shades that immediately differentiate these models from the rest of the MacBook family. The new budget MacBooks are rumoured to come in lively colours such as yellow, light green, blue, and pink. These bolder tones would complement the more traditional silver and dark grey options, appealing particularly to younger users and anyone looking for a more expressive device. The move echoes the colourful design language introduced with the latest iMac, whose refreshed palette quickly gained popularity. Apple appears ready to extend that same visual identity to its more affordable laptop segment. Despite earlier speculation suggesting a plastic build, reports now indicate that the chassis will be made of forged aluminium. Apple is said to be adopting a new production technique aimed at reducing manufacturing time and overall costs while maintaining the premium feel associated with its devices.

The new MacBooks are expected to feature a 12.9-inch display with slim bezels, offering an appearance comparable to current-generation MacBook Air models. At first glance, users may find it difficult to distinguish them from the higher-end Air lineup. Rather than hosting a dedicated launch event, Apple is rumoured to introduce the new models quietly through an update to its online Apple Store catalogue. The debut could happen as early as March. Perhaps the most surprising detail is the processor choice. Instead of using a traditional M-series chip, the affordable MacBooks are expected to run on the A18 Pro—the same chip found in the iPhone 16 lineup. This would mark the first time a MacBook uses a chip originally designed for iPhones. The strategy appears focused on lowering production costs while maintaining strong energy efficiency and adequate performance for everyday tasks such as browsing, streaming, and productivity apps. In the United States, the starting price is rumoured to be $699. In Europe, the entry-level configuration could land at around €900, positioning the device comfortably below the €1,149 starting price of the latest MacBook Air models.

If confirmed, this new lineup could significantly broaden Apple’s reach in the laptop market, attracting students, first-time Mac users, and budget-conscious buyers seeking the Apple experience at a more accessible price point.