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Apple’s Next Macs: Low-Cost A-Series Notebook Rumored as M5 MacBook Pro Moves to Early 2026

Reports point to Apple developing a cheaper A‑series Mac alongside a minor M5 MacBook Pro refresh planned for early 2026.

Overview

  • Code references to an unreleased model labeled Mac17,1 suggest Apple has a new notebook-class device in development, according to prior MacRumors findings cited in new roundups.
  • Wccftech reports the budget Mac could use an A18 Pro chip, which would likely forgo Thunderbolt in favor of USB 3.2 Gen 2 and limit high‑speed peripherals and multi‑display support.
  • Display and design details remain unconfirmed, with Wccftech disputing a DigiTimes claim of a 12.9‑inch panel and instead expecting a 13.6‑inch screen and a MacBook Air–derived chassis without ProMotion.
  • Entry specs and pricing are speculative, with reports floating an 8GB/256GB base configuration and a target starting price in the $599–$699 range to appeal to education and budget buyers.
  • Separately, 9to5Mac, citing Bloomberg, says the next MacBook Pro update will be a modest internal refresh to M5‑series chips on TSMC’s N3P process and is now expected to launch in early 2026.