Apple set to introduce new entry-level MacBook alongside M5-powered Air and Pro models

Apple has scheduled a hardware event for March 4, 2026, where industry sources indicate the company will unveil three distinct laptop lines: refreshed MacBook Air and Pro models featuring next-generation M5 processors, and an entirely new entry-level MacBook series targeting budget-conscious consumers.

The most significant development centers on Apple's rumored budget laptop initiative. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, this new MacBook line aims to compete directly with premium Chromebooks and mid-range Windows machines. Specifications suggest these devices will feature:

• Compact display: Slightly under 13 inches
• Manufacturing innovation: Aluminum chassis using faster, more cost-effective production methods
• Processor strategy: Repurposed iPhone silicon (likely A18 or A19 variants)
• Design language: Multiple "playful" color options beyond traditional silver/space gray

The processor choice warrants particular attention. While using smartphone-derived silicon might seem like a compromise, Apple's A-series chips have demonstrated remarkable performance parity with earlier Mac processors. The 2024 A18 chip showed comparable capabilities to Apple's 2020 M1 chip in benchmark testing. This suggests the 2026 entry-level MacBooks could deliver competent performance for everyday tasks despite their lower price point.

Pricing remains a critical unknown. Apple initially targeted "well under $1,000" starting prices, but recent spikes in memory and storage costs may force adjustments. The company faces difficult decisions between maintaining profit margins, hitting price targets, and providing adequate base configurations. Historically, Apple's entry-level devices have shipped with minimal RAM and storage, a practice that may continue here.

Concurrently, Apple will introduce its next-generation premium laptops:

• MacBook Air: Expected to debut the standard M5 chip
• MacBook Pro: Likely featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max variants for professional workflows

These updates follow Apple's typical annual refresh cycle, bringing expected improvements in CPU/GPU performance and efficiency.

The event may also include:

• iPhone 17e: Successor to Apple's budget smartphone with MagSafe charging and custom wireless chip
• Desktop previews: Updated Mac Studio, iMac, and Mac Mini models (potential March debut or later announcement)

For developers and cross-platform creators, the new entry-level MacBook presents interesting considerations. Its iPhone-derived architecture might introduce subtle compatibility differences compared to M-series chips, particularly for apps leveraging specific instruction sets. The device could become an attractive option for educational institutions and enterprise fleets where cost sensitivity outweighs peak performance needs.

Apple's push into the sub-$1000 laptop segment represents a strategic expansion of their ecosystem accessibility. By leveraging existing silicon designs and manufacturing efficiencies, the company appears positioned to compete in a market segment they've largely ceded to competitors in recent years. Final specifications, pricing, and availability will be confirmed at Apple's March 4th event.