Apple is gearing up for a blockbuster start to 2026, with multiple affordable devices reportedly in the pipeline for early launch. Industry insiders are abuzz about a budget-friendly MacBook and a new cut-price iPhone, which could disrupt the market and broaden Apple’s appeal among students, first-time buyers, and emerging markets.
According to analyst Jeff Pu at GF Securities, Apple’s budget MacBook may debut as early as the first quarter of the year, sporting a compact 13-inch display and powered by the A18 Pro chip originally designed for iPhones. The expected price—around $599 in the US—marks Apple’s boldest move yet toward making its laptops more accessible for everyday consumers
The cut-price iPhone, likely named the iPhone 17e, is forecasted to feature an efficient A19 chip, an 18MP Center Stage selfie camera, Apple’s proprietary C1 modem, and an upgrade to the Dynamic Island interface—while retaining most of the design language of previous models. This affordable iPhone could prove popular among budget shoppers seeking powerful features
Apple isn’t stopping with just laptops and phones—the 12th-generation iPad is also expected to land at the same time. While its design remains largely unchanged, the new model will pack an A18 chip, unlocking Apple Intelligence features such as AI-driven text generation and enhanced Siri performance for the first time on its entry-level tablet. This upgrade assures improved performance and multitasking abilities.
Together, these launches represent Apple’s strategy to reach a wider audience by focusing on affordability and core feature sets. By leveraging a mobile chip architecture for the MacBook, introducing colorful options, maintaining reliable performance, and keeping prices attractive, Apple aims to capture the attention of budget-conscious customers and students worldwide.
| | Apple Intelligence, Touch ID |
