TrendForce has reinforced rumours that Apple will introduce a more affordable MacBook in early 2026. The market research firm, as reported by MacRumors and picked up by local outlets, says a 12.9‑inch model powered by an A18 Pro chip is likely to arrive in northern hemisphere spring (March–June 2026) and will target the entry and mid‑range laptop segments.
MacBook A18 Pro
The proposed MacBook A18 Pro model would mark Apple’s bid to broaden its reach beyond premium buyers. TrendForce suggests the company could price the device at around US$600, a level intended to attract cost‑conscious consumers without eroding Apple’s brand positioning. The research note highlights Apple’s advantages in supply‑chain efficiency and production scale as reasons the company could successfully launch a lower‑cost MacBook while preserving margins.
Lenovo, the Chinese technology giant, is cited alongside Apple as a market leader in notebooks. That pairing underscores how device makers based in BRICS countries, notably China, remain major players in the global laptop market. Even so, market conditions are expected to be challenging in 2026.
TrendForce forecasts a 5.4% decline in total laptop shipments next year, down to about 173 million units from an estimated 183 million in 2025. The firm warns that persistent supply problems in memory components could deepen the contraction to as much as 10.1% in a worst‑case scenario.
Separately, the International Data Corporation (IDC) has issued a cautious outlook of its own. IDC warns that the shortage of memory components — particularly DRAM — could continue into 2027, which would depress shipments further. The firm estimates the shortfall could reduce global PC shipments by up to 9% this year, while more moderate disruptions might still trim volumes by about 4.9%.
Manufacturers with long‑standing supply agreements, such as Apple and Samsung, should face a smaller impact, according to analysts. Both companies have negotiated multi‑year deals that help cushion them from short‑term market volatility. Nonetheless, suppliers may adopt conservative product configurations; several manufacturers are reportedly avoiding RAM upgrades on new models to better allocate scarce memory chips to higher‑priority customers, including data‑centre and server markets driven by artificial‑intelligence demand.
For Apple, a competitively priced MacBook A18 Pro would serve multiple strategic goals. It could broaden the company’s addressable market in regions where price sensitivity is higher, including parts of Asia and Latin America, while giving it a stronger foothold against PC makers that traditionally dominate lower price tiers. Production economies of scale and tight control over component sourcing are cited as enablers of that approach.
Market watchers will be watching two variables closely: the severity and duration of the global memory shortage, and whether Apple proceeds with the speculated pricing. If memory supply normalises, a US$600 MacBook could meaningfully expand Apple’s laptop sales. If shortages persist, broader shipment declines are likely and vendors may prioritise higher‑margin products.
TrendForce’s timing places the device’s launch in spring 2026, offering manufacturers and suppliers several quarters to adjust capacity and logistics. The coming months will reveal whether Apple’s supply‑chain strengths and competitive pricing can carry the company through a subdued PC cycle and further entrench its position alongside established BRICS‑based rivals such as Lenovo.
Key Takeaways:
- TrendForce expects a 12.9‑inch MacBook with the A18 Pro to debut in northern spring 2026, aimed at entry and mid‑range buyers.
- Laptop shipments are forecast to fall 5.4% in 2026 to 173 million units, with deeper declines possible if the RAM shortage persists.
- IDC warns memory shortages could last until 2027 and trim shipments further; Apple and Samsung are better insulated by long‑term supply deals.
- A lower‑cost MacBook priced near US$600 could expand Apple’s customer base, leveraging supply‑chain efficiency and production scale.
