Next-Year’s MacBook Shake-Up: Apple to Launch Two New MacBooks in 2026 with Big Upgrades

 

Apple is expected to shake up its laptop lineup next year with two new MacBook models planned for release. The news has created a lot of interest because the company rarely expands its range with a budget model and a premium refresh at the same time. Both machines target different users, and together they may redefine how people pick a MacBook in the coming years.

Reports say the first model will be a low cost MacBook aimed at students, casual users, and anyone who needs a simple machine for everyday work. Apple hasn’t offered a truly affordable MacBook for many years, so the idea of a cheaper option has caught attention. This device may come with a smaller display, lighter hardware, and a chip more in line with what Apple uses in its recent phones rather than the M series chips used in current MacBooks. It’s expected to focus on light tasks, web browsing, emails, movies, and office work. Price will be the biggest draw, since it will likely sit well below the current MacBook Air. Apple seems to want this model to compete directly with budget Windows laptops and Chromebooks.

The second model is the opposite. Apple plans a premium refresh for its higher end laptops, likely the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. These machines could get new M5 chips and, later in the year, the next generation of Apple Silicon. The upgrades will target professionals who edit video, build apps, work with design tools, or handle large data jobs. Better power efficiency, faster graphics, and quicker processing are all expected. These changes point to a stronger push in creative and technical markets. Apple seems focused on keeping these machines ahead of high performance Windows laptops.

If Apple releases both a low cost model and a high end refresh in the same year, the entire lineup could feel different. The company would cover more price points and attract new buyers who couldn’t justify a MacBook before. Students and first time Apple laptop users may finally have an entry level choice, while professionals would see more powerful options at the top. This may increase MacBook adoption overall, especially in schools and offices.

There are still unknowns. Apple has not confirmed any of the details, and final plans could change. A cheaper laptop may come with compromises like a basic screen or limited storage. The premium machines may offer big performance jumps, but real world gains depend on how Apple tunes the new chips. Release dates could shift, and specs may be adjusted along the way. Even so, the pattern of information suggests Apple is serious about broadening its laptop range.

For buyers, the timing matters. Someone who only needs a simple laptop might want to wait for the budget model instead of buying a MacBook Air now. Someone who needs power for work may prefer holding out for the upcoming refresh, especially if they use heavy software. But anyone who needs a laptop immediately can still rely on the current MacBook lineup, which remains strong and capable.

Experts believe Apple wants to solve two long standing gaps. One is the absence of an affordable Mac laptop for everyday users. The other is the need to push high performance even further for professionals who rely on Apple hardware. If both new models deliver what the reports suggest, Apple’s 2026 lineup may become the most diverse in years.

The move could also change Apple’s long term strategy. A cheaper MacBook introduced alongside an increasingly powerful Pro range creates a clearer ladder from entry level to top tier. It also offers more flexibility for schools, businesses, and people who want to stay inside the Apple ecosystem without spending too much.

As 2026 approaches, expectations will grow. People will look for hints in Apple’s developer events, chip updates, and supply chain leaks. Launch timing still isn’t locked in, though early 2026 seems likely for the lower cost model and later in the year for the premium machines. Many will wait to see if Apple offers new colors, better batteries, or new display options.

If everything comes together, these releases may become a turning point for Apple laptops. The company would finally serve budget buyers and creative professionals at the same time. Students could get a MacBook that fits their budget. Skilled editors and developers could see a major performance boost. And everyday users would find it easier to pick the right MacBook without feeling forced into paying for features they don’t need.

In simple terms, Apple appears ready to make its laptop family wider, more flexible, and more future ready. The coming year may bring one of the biggest shifts in the MacBook story, giving people more choice and more reasons to switch or upgrade.