Apple’s $699 MacBook is Coming: A Revolution in Affordable Computing?

February 10, 2026    tech_trends   

For years, owning a brand-new MacBook meant shelling out at least a thousand dollars. But if the latest murmurs from the supply chain are true, Apple is about to flip the script with a device that feels like a throwback and a leap forward all at once.

We’ve been hearing whispers of a "MacBook"—just MacBook, no suffixes—aiming for a $699 price point. This isn't just a cheaper laptop; it's Apple finally going after the Chromebook market and the student demographic that found the "Air" just a bit out of reach.

A 12.9-inch Form Factor (Without the Notch)

Remember the ultra-portable 12-inch MacBook? It seems Apple is reviving that spirit but refined for 2026. Rumors suggest a 12.9-inch LCD screen. It’s slightly tighter than the current Air, making it the ultimate "coffee shop" laptop. The best part? Word on the street is that we’re getting a notch-free display. It’s a clean, symmetrical look that many long-time Mac users have been begging for.

The A18 Pro Twist: Mobile Power on a Desktop

Here is where things get interesting. Instead of the standard M-series chips, Apple is reportedly sliding in the A18 Pro—the same powerhouse driving the latest iPhones. Some might call this a "lite" version of a Mac, but don't let the smartphone origins fool you. For 90% of users—those of us writing novels, managing spreadsheets, or browsing 50 tabs at once—this chip is more than enough. It’s about thermal efficiency and battery life that could realistically last a full weekend.

• 🎨 A Splash of Personality: Forget the boring Space Grey. Expect vibrant hues like Pink, Yellow, and Blue—borrowing the iMac’s playfulness.
• 💰 The $699 Sweet Spot: A price that actually makes sense for the education sector.
• ⏱️ Coming Sooner Than You Think: Reports from Mark Gurman and Jeff Pu suggest a launch within the first half of this year.

The Verdict: Who is it for?

Let’s be real: if you’re rendering 8K video or compiling massive codebases, this isn't your machine. But for the writer who needs "usable RAM and decent battery life to spend hours writing without a charger," as one reader put it, this could be the most logical upgrade in a decade. It’s a dedicated tool for the essentials, wrapped in a premium chassis.

What do you think? Is a buttonless, $699 MacBook a dream come true or a step backward? Drop your thoughts below.