Apple planning budget MacBook and low-cost iPhone?

Apple may kick off 2026 with a wave of new hardware aimed at budget-conscious buyers, according to fresh reports from industry analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities, cited by MacRumours. The company is said to be preparing to unveil an affordable MacBook, a new entry-level iPhone, and the next-generation iPad within the first months of the year.

Rumors of a lower-priced MacBook have circulated for months, and Pu’s latest note adds weight to those claims. The laptop is expected to start at roughly $599 in the US—far below the current entry-level MacBook Air, which retails for $999 / £999 / AU$1,599. The rumored device would feature a 13-inch display and Apple’s A18 Pro chip, first introduced with the iPhone 16 Pro in 2024. It could also come in silver, blue, yellow, and pink, echoing earlier leaks about Apple experimenting with more colourful hardware.

On the phone side, Apple is reportedly preparing the iPhone 17e, the successor to the budget-focused iPhone 16e launched in February 2025. The starting price is again expected to sit around $599 / £599 / AU$999. While much of the hardware may remain consistent with its predecessor, Pu expects performance upgrades, including an A19 chip, an 18MP front-facing camera with Center Stage support, and Apple’s new C1 modem. The “e” line effectively continues what was previously known as Apple’s iPhone SE series.

The report also claims that the 12th-generation iPad will arrive in the same early-2026 window. Although no major design changes are anticipated, the tablet is tipped to receive the A18 chip—potentially enabling Apple Intelligence features on the entry-level iPad for the first time.

These three devices are expected to lead Apple’s product lineup in the early part of 2026, with additional MacBooks, iPhones, and iPads likely to follow later in the year. As always, the company has yet to officially confirm any details, and more concrete information will emerge as launch dates approach.