A MacBook Cheaper Than an iPhone
A MacBook priced below an iPhone sounds unusual for Apple. According to Mirror Daily, the company is preparing a model priced between $699 and $799. For comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro costs more, while the MacBook Air currently starts at $899.
The difference may seem modest, but within Apple’s lineup it changes the hierarchy. For years, a MacBook has been a more expensive entry point into the ecosystem than an iPhone. That balance is now shifting.
This is not a clearance sale. It’s a separate configuration powered by the A18 Pro chip and equipped with 8GB of RAM, positioned for the lower segment of the market.
Why Apple Is Dropping the Price to $699
The $699–$799 MacBook is not replacing the MacBook Air. The Air remains at $899 and above. Instead, Apple is creating a new entry-level tier in the Mac lineup.
The sub-$700 range is where buying decisions are made for school, office work, and browser-based tasks. Apple has not traditionally competed aggressively in this segment.
To reach this price, the company adjusts the configuration: A18 Pro instead of an M-series chip, 8GB of RAM instead of 12GB, a 12.9-inch display instead of 13.6 inches, no Thunderbolt, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 support.
This MacBook is positioned for basic usage — documents, browsing, video calls, and education.
A18 Pro, 8GB RAM and a 12.9-inch Display
The new MacBook is powered by Apple’s A18 Pro, the same chip used in the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. In terms of performance, it is roughly comparable to the Apple M1, with higher energy efficiency.
It comes with 8GB of RAM. In 2026, that represents the minimum configuration for macOS. Real-world multitasking performance remains to be seen.
Known specifications include:
- price $699–$799;
- Apple A18 Pro processor;
- 8GB RAM;
- 4GB less than iPhone 17 Pro;
- 12.9-inch display;
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 10Gbps (1.25GB/s);
- no Thunderbolt support;
- MacBook Air currently starts at $899;
- sales plan of 5–8 million units per year.
Will the $699 MacBook Become Mainstream?
It represents the lowest entry point into macOS. It is newer than used M1 or M2 MacBooks available at similar prices on the secondary market.
The key question is real-world performance. In 2026, 8GB of RAM sits at the lower boundary. The model’s success will depend on whether users experience noticeable limitations in everyday tasks.
If it handles basic workloads smoothly, it could secure its place in the lineup. If 8GB proves restrictive, buyers may turn back to the MacBook Air or used M1/M2 models.
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