Apple may be preparing to re-enter the compact laptop segment with a brand-new MacBook aimed at affordability and portability. According to industry supply chain insights shared by TrendForce, the company is reportedly working on a 12.9-inch MacBook that could launch in spring 2026. If the information turns out to be accurate, this model would sit below the current MacBook Air lineup and target users who want a lightweight Apple laptop without paying premium prices.
This move would also mark Apple’s return to smaller MacBooks, years after discontinuing the 12-inch MacBook that was sold between 2015 and 2017.
The rumored MacBook is said to feature a 12.9-inch display, making it slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air. Thanks to modern design trends and slimmer bezels, the overall footprint could remain close to that of a standard keyboard, keeping the device highly portable.
Apple previously experimented with this ultra-compact form factor, and while the old 12-inch MacBook was praised for its thin and light design, it struggled to deliver reliable performance. This time, however, the internal hardware could tell a very different story.
One of the most interesting aspects of this report is the processor. TrendForce claims the upcoming MacBook may run on the Apple A18 Pro chip, the same silicon expected in the iPhone 16 Pro lineup. While this is not an M-series chip, early performance estimates suggest it could still deliver a meaningful upgrade over the Intel processors used in Apple’s older compact notebooks.
Single-core performance is expected to be several times faster than the Intel-based 12-inch MacBook, while multi-core results may approach the original M1 chip in lighter, everyday workloads. For tasks like web browsing, document editing, media streaming, and casual photo work, this level of performance could be more than sufficient.
Because the A18 Pro is designed to operate inside the extremely limited thermal space of an iPhone, it offers excellent power efficiency. In a MacBook chassis, this could translate into long battery life and completely silent operation without the need for active cooling.
Apple may intentionally position this device as a productivity-focused laptop rather than a performance machine. That would make it ideal for students, travelers, writers, and users who value all-day battery life and portability over sustained heavy workloads such as video editing or software development.
Pricing has not been officially confirmed, but TrendForce suggests Apple could place this MacBook below the MacBook Air in its lineup. In some markets, the MacBook Air currently starts around $799, so a lower entry point could make the new model Apple’s most affordable laptop.
If Apple follows this strategy, the 12.9-inch MacBook could become an attractive option for first-time Mac buyers or those upgrading from older Intel-based machines.
Introducing a MacBook powered by an iPhone-class chip would represent a notable shift in Apple’s strategy. It would further blur the line between iPhone and Mac silicon while expanding Apple’s reach into more price-sensitive segments of the laptop market.
At the same time, it would allow Apple to differentiate its product lineup more clearly—reserving M-series chips for power users, while offering a highly efficient, compact alternative for everyday computing.
For now, Apple has not confirmed any details, and the information remains based on industry reports. However, if these claims prove accurate, the 12.9-inch MacBook could signal a thoughtful revival of Apple’s compact laptop concept—this time with far fewer compromises.
By combining modern design, efficient iPhone-class performance, and potentially aggressive pricing, Apple may be preparing a MacBook that appeals to a wide audience looking for portability, reliability, and value in spring 2026.
Via: (Source), Image Credits: Created by ChatGPT using DALL·E (OpenAI).
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