Apple's most affordable MacBook may be without features users would expect
Published on Mar 02, 2026 at 1:54 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid
Last updated on Mar 02, 2026 at 1:54 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Claire Reid
Apple is expected to announce a new, more affordable MacBook later this week, but it might be missing some of the features you’d expect.
The tech giant is gearing up for a ‘special Apple Experience’, which will take place in New York, London, and Shanghai on March 4.
Details on the event have been kept strictly under wraps, although some eagle-eyed fans think the invites hold a clue.
However, it’s heavily suspected that Apple will use the event to launch some new products, including a low-cost MacBook, but the lower price point comes at a cost.
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Apple is expected to unveil a new, more affordable MacBook, but it might be missing some features
Rumors suggest that the new low-cost MacBook will be powered by the A18 Pro iPhone chip to help keep the price lower.
And that isn’t the only cost-cutting measure Apple is expected to have taken on the new laptop.
Accidentally leaked internal files seen by Macworld suggest that the new MacBook will feature the same audio DAC as the M1 MacBook Air, meaning it won’t support better quality high-impedance headphones.
The files also revealed that the upcoming MacBook will have a less premium display than its siblings, and won’t be fitted with the True Tone sensor that automatically adjusts the display temperature based on ambient lighting.
Instead it’ll have the older sensor that simply adjusts brightness.
Alongside that, its been rumored that the MacBook won’t support more powerful chargers for fast-charging, with the outlet noting that the ‘AppleHighVoltageCharger’ driver isn’t present in the files.
The MacBook may also not feature the standard backlit keyboard you usually find on Apple laptops.
For many Apple fans, the lack of these features won’t be enough to put them off, particularly if it’s released with a more affordable price tag.
It seems the tech giant is aiming for everyday laptop users, rather than at professionals using their devices for things like video editing.
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What else is Apple rumored to unveil at the event?
As well as the more affordable MacBook, rumors have suggested Apple will unveil a handful of other new products at this week’s event.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is set to announce the new iPhone 17e, which will join the recently released iPhone 17 family.
It’s also been reported that the company will unveil a new iPad 12 and iPad Air, as well as upgraded M5 chips for the MacBook Air and Pro.
Thankfully, we don’t have too long to wait until we find out if the rumors are true, with the event set for March 4.
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With a background in both local and national press in the UK, Claire moved to New Zealand before joining the editorial team at Supercar Blondie in May 2024. As a Senior Content Writer working on New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), Claire was the first writer on the team to make the site’s output a slick 24/7 operation covering the latest in automotive news.
