Apple is gearing up for a particularly busy start to the year in the laptop market. Various analyst reports and leaks suggest the company will be launching several new laptops. three new MacBooks throughout 2026, covering everything from entry-level models to the most powerful models for professional use.
The strategy involves strengthening both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, as well as introducing a new, more affordable laptopWith a different approach than what Apple has been doing until now, the Cupertino firm aims to reach users who are still on Windows or ChromeOS, as well as offer an attractive upgrade for those already using macOS in Europe and Spain.
Three MacBooks for 2026: Air, Pro and a brand new budget model
According to the most consistent rumors, Apple has a clear roadmap ready: a new MacBook Air with M5 chip, the update of the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max, And a most affordable 12,9-inch laptop designed as a gateway to the ecosystem.
These three launches would, in principle, be located in the late winter and spring 2026. The most frequently mentioned windows in the reports They point to the months of February, March or April, dates that Apple usually takes advantage of to announce Mac products outside the focus of the iPhone.
The company would seek to clearly differentiate. the base range of Pro modelsnot only because of the price, but also because of the type of chip and the features linked to advanced tasks, such as local artificial intelligence or professional work in video, 3D and software development.
For users in Spain and the rest of Europe, this schedule would imply that Many of the laptops purchased in 2025 could quickly become obsolete. compared to the new options with M5 and the new budget-friendly A-series chip.
MacBook Air with M5 chip: continuity in design, leap in power
The first pillar of this offensive would be the MacBook Air with M5 processorA redesign focused almost entirely on the internals. Everything suggests that Apple will maintain the current design of the M4 versions, with sizes of 13 and 15 inches, and would repeat the ultra-thin chassis that has established itself as the brand's most popular laptop.
The main difference would be in the incorporation of M5 chip as the heart of the teamThis would mean improvements in overall performance, energy efficiency, and AI capabilities compared to the previous model. A noticeable increase in productivity tasks, advanced office applications, light photo editing, and multimedia consumption is expected, without requiring a complete redesign of the device.
It is possible that Apple will take advantage of this internal update to adjust the color paletteRemoving some colors and adding a new one, similar to what we saw with the sky blue finish. In any case, the focus would remain the same: a benchmark laptop in terms of value for money within the Mac range, but without experimenting in design.
MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max: the option for demanding professionals
The second major release would be aimed at professionals. After introducing the M5 in a basic configuration within the 14-inch MacBook Pro, Apple would reserve the arrival of the next major release for 2026. the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips in the 14 and 16 inch versions.
These models would replace the current ones MacBook Pro with M4 Pro and M4 Maxand its improvement would rely primarily on the new generation of processors. A significant increase in power is expected for both CPU and GPU, with estimates suggesting gains close to 20% in gross return compared to the previous generation, in addition to clear advances in processing for artificial intelligence and multimodal tasks.
Along with the new chips, it's practically a given that Apple will bet on Faster SSDs and improved memory managementThis is key for those who work with heavy projects in video editing, professional photography, application development, or virtualization environments.
In Europe, and especially in Spain, these MacBook Pros will continue to be the least economical option for the familyBut it's also the most appealing option for those who need a device that can withstand years of heavy use without breaking a sweat. That's why many users currently considering buying a Pro with the M4 might prefer to wait a few months to see what the M5 Pro and M5 Max ultimately offer.
In terms of design, rumors don't point to a revolution: the current trends would remain. high refresh rate screensThe robust appearance and focus on varied connectivity, with changes that are more discreet than radical.
New affordable 12,9-inch MacBook: the big news
The third member of this triad is, by far, the most striking: a 12,9-inch MacBook designed as an affordable modelSeveral analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo, agree that Apple is finalizing a smaller and more affordable laptop to compete head-to-head with Windows laptops and Chromebooks on price.
The great peculiarity of this team is that I wouldn't install an M-series chip., but a Pro A18The same processor expected in the iPhone 16 Pro. This move would replicate the strategy seen in some recent iPads, which use iPhone chips to reduce costs while maintaining more than enough performance for everyday use.
This entry-level MacBook would aim to attract people who currently use Basic laptops for office tasks, studying, or content consumption and who want to make the leap to the macOS ecosystem without incurring the cost of an Air or a Pro. Tasks such as web browsing, email management, video calls, and working with documents would be their natural habitat.
Leaked information indicates that Apple would bet on a lightweight aluminum design and a weight of less than one kilogram, somewhat reviving the philosophy of the ultracompact laptops the brand offered in the past. The 12,9-inch screen size places this model somewhere between the convenience of a traditional laptop and the portability of a tablet with a keyboard.
Another differentiating aspect would be the color rangeSilver, blue, pink, and yellow finishes are mentioned, a more striking combination than that of the traditional MacBook Air. In the European market, this approach could be particularly appealing to students, colleges, universities, and users who appreciate a more casual design.
Price, production and arrival on the European market
As for the price, estimates place this new budget MacBook at a approximate range between $599 and $699 at its launch in the United States. If Apple replicates its usual conversion policy, in Europe we could be talking about around 699 or 799 euros as a starting price, taxes included.
This is a price reduction compared to the MacBook Air, whose price in Spain is currently around the €999 in its entry-level configurationThis would position the new laptop as the cheapest way to access a new Mac without resorting to second-hand models or very old generations.
The data handled by analysts points to a initial production of between 5 and 7 million units in 2026This figure suggests that Apple is confident in significant global demand. If these forecasts hold true, the launch is expected to arrive... simultaneously or almost simultaneously with Europe, without major delays compared to the United States.
In Spain, this model could position itself as a clear candidate for those looking for a laptop for university studies, digital classrooms or more basic uses in teleworking, provided that the real performance of the A18 Pro chip under macOS confirms the expectations set by its performance on iPhone.
In addition to the price, details about the possible base memory configurationIt would start with 8GB of RAM, along with a simpler screen panel and somewhat more limited connectivity, with fewer ports than the MacBook Air and Pro to keep costs down.
A more tiered laptop catalog for 2026
If the forecasts are correct, Apple's laptop lineup would be structured in 2026 as follows: three big stepsAt the bottom, this budget MacBook with an A18 Pro chip; in the middle, the MacBook Air with an M5; and at the top, the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max, designed for the advanced user.
This segmentation would help to to more clearly differentiate the access lines of the Pro variantsNot only for its raw power, but also for the available features related to local AI, graphics capabilities, and expansion options. The new budget laptop would make sacrifices in screen size, ports, and perhaps storage to offer an aggressive entry price.
The MacBook Air would still be the most balanced model, with a remarkable performance leap thanks to the M5 And without radical design changes, maintaining its role as a versatile laptop. Meanwhile, the Pro versions would strengthen their position for those who need to take full advantage of features such as 4K or 8K video editing, complex audio projects, heavy development environments, or 3D modeling.
In the European context, this reorganization could generate added pressure on mid-range Windows laptop manufacturersThese devices compete in the same price range as Apple's new 12,9-inch model. The ecosystem factor—syncing with iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and services like iCloud—will play a significant role in enticing undecided users.
For those thinking about upgrading their laptop in Spain in the coming months, all this information suggests they should seriously consider their options. is it worth waiting for the 2026 wave?The almost simultaneous arrival of three MacBooks with such different approaches could significantly change the landscape of available options and, consequently, the relationship between performance and price at each stage of the range.
Looking at this whole scenario, what's emerging is a year in which Apple will pay special attention to its laptops: It will keep users who need maximum power up to date. With the new MacBook Pro, it will update its best-selling MacBook Air M5 and, at the same time, open the door to a type of buyer who until now saw Macs as too expensive thanks to that new 12,9-inch MacBook with an A18 Pro chip and a more affordable price.
