Apple prepares a wave of affordable devices: From a Budget iPhone to a MacBook powered by a smartphone chip

Apple is planning an active start to 2026 with several updates in the affordable device segment. According to Bloomberg, citing Mark Gurman, the company will release the iPhone 17e, refreshed iPad models, and—most notably—a budget MacBook powered by an A-series chip. This is part of Apple’s strategy to expand the reach of Apple Intelligence to more users and to compete more aggressively in the lower price tiers.

iPhone 17e: Imminent Announcement and Key Upgrades

First in line is the iPhone 17e, the successor to the budget iPhone 16e. The launch is described as “imminent” and could happen as early as February 2026, with some sources pointing to February 19. The price is expected to remain at $599.

Key upgrades include:

• A19 processor (the same as in the main iPhone 17 lineup)
• MagSafe support for charging and accessories
• A switch to Apple’s own modems: C1X for cellular and N1 for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread

The design is expected to remain unchanged, retaining the notch rather than adopting Dynamic Island. This approach allows Apple to deliver higher performance and AI features at the same price point.

Updated iPads: A18 and M4 Across the Line

Apple is also preparing several iPad updates:

• The base iPad (12th generation) will receive the A18 chip (as in the iPhone 16), along with 8 GB of RAM for the first time and full support for Apple Intelligence. This is a major selling point, bringing AI features such as an improved Siri and image generation to the most affordable iPad.
• The iPad Air (8th generation) will move to the powerful M4 chip, with no major design changes but a noticeable performance boost.

The expected release window is within the coming weeks or months, likely in spring. Radical design changes are not anticipated, and OLED displays are expected only for a future iPad mini.

Budget MacBook: A New Entry Point into the Mac Ecosystem

The most intriguing product is a low-cost MacBook, possibly with a 12-inch display, which would be the first Mac to use an A-series processor instead of an M-chip. Leaks suggest it could feature an A18 Pro or a similar chip, paired with 8 GB of RAM and support for Apple Intelligence.

The goal is to make Macs more accessible to new users—students, schools, and those who previously chose Chromebooks or budget Windows laptops. The expected price range is $599–750, well below the current $999 MacBook Air. The launch is planned for the first half of 2026, potentially in spring.

This move would allow Apple to compete directly in the sub-$800 segment, currently dominated by Chromebooks and low-cost Windows notebooks.

Why Now

Apple is aiming for steady sales growth after the traditional fall iPhone peak. Apple Intelligence is positioned as a key feature: the more devices support it, the stronger the ecosystem becomes. At the same time, Apple is stepping up competition in the budget segment, particularly in education and emerging markets.

In Brief

In the first half of 2026, Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 17e (A19, MagSafe, $599, launch soon), the 12th-generation iPad (A18, 8 GB RAM, Apple Intelligence), an iPad Air with M4, and a budget MacBook powered by an A-series chip priced around $600–750. This marks a clear push to bring AI features to more affordable devices and to compete more effectively in the lower end of the market.