Apple's Colorful Budget MacBook Is Coming March 4 — Here's Everything We Know

Apple is about to do something it hasn't done in a while: make a Mac that turns heads for its looks, not just its specs. A new budget MacBook in bold colors is expected to launch at Apple's March 4 event, and the details leaking out are genuinely exciting. For more, see our full MacBook Neo review after launch. For more, see the Apple March 4 event preview.

The Colors: Apple Goes Playful Again

Reports from MacRumors and 9to5Mac point to Apple testing at least six colors for the new low-cost MacBook:

• Light yellow
• Light green
• Blue
• Pink
• Silver
• Dark gray (Space Gray)

The colorful variants will reportedly use a new aluminum manufacturing process that allows for faster, more cost-effective production while still delivering the premium finish Apple is known for. If you remember the iMac M1's color lineup — or go way back to the iBook G3 era — you'll have a sense of the vibe Apple is going for.

This isn't a gimmick. Apple's iMac M1 colors drove real consumer excitement and helped reframe the desktop Mac as something stylish enough to display on a desk rather than hide under it. Applying that same energy to a laptop is a smart move.

The Chip: A18 Pro — A Mobile Chip in a Mac

Here's the interesting bit: the new MacBook is expected to run the A18 Pro chip — the same chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro lineup. This is a departure from the standard approach of using M-series chips in Macs. For more, see MacBook Neo vs Air M5 comparison.

What does that mean in practice?

• Performance: The A18 Pro is no slouch. It handles demanding tasks and has Apple's latest Neural Engine for on-device AI processing
• Efficiency: Outstanding battery life — expect all-day and then some
• Cost: Using an A-series chip instead of an M-series likely helps Apple hit the lower price point
• Trade-offs: Compared to the M3 or M4 in the MacBook Air, the A18 Pro will likely show differences in sustained performance for heavy workloads like video editing or compiling code

For students, casual users, and anyone who just wants a reliable, beautiful laptop for browsing, writing, and light creative work — this chip is more than enough.

The Display: Just Under 13 Inches

The screen is reported to be slightly under 13 inches — putting it in a familiar, portable form factor. No word yet on whether it'll get ProMotion (Apple's 120Hz refresh rate technology), though that seems unlikely at this price tier. Expect a Liquid Retina display similar to what's in the current MacBook Air.

The Price: Finally Under $1,000

Analyst projections put the starting price between $599 and $799 — firmly undercutting the current MacBook Air's $999 entry price. If Apple lands at $699 (the most commonly cited figure), it would be the most affordable Mac laptop since Apple moved to Apple Silicon.

To put that in perspective: at $699 with an A18 Pro chip, Apple would be offering a machine that handily outperforms any Windows laptop at the same price point. That's a serious value proposition, and it could pull a lot of budget-conscious buyers away from Chromebooks and entry-level Windows machines.

The March 4 Event

Apple has invited media to a "special Apple Experience" on March 4, 2026, with gatherings in New York, London, and Shanghai. The colorful MacBook is expected to be one of the headline announcements alongside the iPhone 17e.

Other products expected at or around the March 4 event:

• iPhone 17e — Apple's new budget iPhone with A19 chip and MagSafe
• M5 MacBook Pro (Pro and Max configurations) — spec upgrades to the pro lineup
• M5 MacBook Air — spec bump, likely similar design
• New Apple external display — higher refresh rate and improved picture quality

Should You Wait for It?

If you're in the market for a MacBook and don't need top-tier performance, yes — absolutely wait. The colorful budget MacBook could be one of the best value Macs Apple has ever made. A starting price under $800, all-day battery, and a chip that demolishes the competition at that price tier is a compelling package.

The only question is whether Apple limits upgradability in ways that force you into a more expensive configuration for useful RAM. When pre-orders open, pay close attention to the base RAM and storage options.

March 4 is two weeks away. We'll have full coverage the moment Apple makes it official.

Related: Apple's March 4 Event — What to Expect from the 'Special Apple Experience'