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Apple’s growing low cost strategy for early 2026. Apple plans a major expansion of its entry level lineup across iPhone iPad and MacBook categories. This shift signals a clear move to attract new customers who want Apple hardware at a more affordable price point. The upcoming lineup includes the iPhone 17e the 12th generation iPad and a new low cost MacBook built around an A series chip usually found in iPhones. These devices aim to fill price gaps while delivering performance Apple can support for years.
This report draws from new research by Jeff Pu of GF Securities. His data offers a detailed look at Apple’s production plans chip strategy price targets and expected launch window. Each device carries different goals but the shared objective is clear. Apple wants to expand reach without weakening its premium categories. SquaredTech analyzed the full report and combined it with background knowledge on Apple’s product moves from recent years to create a full expanded picture of what is coming next.
Apple Prepares Low Cost MacBook With A Series Chip
Apple plans to introduce a new low cost MacBook that uses an A series chip for the first time. This will represent a major shift in Apple’s approach to the Mac lineup. The report says Apple will use the A18 Pro chip first seen in the iPhone 16 Pro from 2024. This chip brings strong performance for daily tasks and media use while also helping Apple lower production costs for the MacBook.
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Apple expects this MacBook to target a price range between seven hundred dollars and eight hundred ninety nine dollars. This price creates a new space under the current M series MacBook Air models. Apple appears ready to use an older design and display parts to keep this model affordable. The device may use eight gigabytes of memory which is Apple’s minimum level for most entry models. The new MacBook may also include one USB C port which keeps production simple while still supporting charging and data transfer.
Apple will offer the MacBook in silver blue pink and yellow. These colors match the current iPad color lineup. This suggests Apple expects the new model to appeal to younger buyers students and first time Mac users. Apple has followed this approach before. The company introduced colorful iMac models to create a more friendly entry level product. Apple expects the same energy here as it uses color to separate this device from the more serious MacBook Pro line.
SquaredTech believes this model serves two purposes. It gives Mac buyers an affordable option and it allows Apple to reuse chip designs that already exist. Apple has invested heavily in the A series architecture which continues to evolve each year. This gives the company a chance to create a low cost MacBook without building a new chip line. The use of the A18 Pro may also help Apple reduce heat output and further increase battery life. These factors create a strong case for an affordable MacBook with long term software support.
iPhone 17e Will Push Apple Price Strategy Further
Apple plans to expand its iPhone e series with the new iPhone 17e. This will be the second generation of the affordable e line. Apple introduced the iPhone 16e as a device built for users who want a lower price but still value the Apple ecosystem. The iPhone 17e will push this plan further with new hardware upgrades and a modern design shift.
According to the report the iPhone 17e will use the new A19 chip. Apple plans to give this model an eighteen megapixel Center Stage camera. This camera will support video framing designed for calls and presentations. Apple will also use its C1 modem to support wireless performance across major networks.
Most other hardware features will remain similar to the iPhone 16e. Apple aims to maintain a clear difference between the iPhone 17e and the higher iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models. This approach lets Apple protect its premium margins while still building an entry model that feels current.
The report also says the iPhone 17e could move to the Dynamic Island. This interface currently appears on Apple’s premium devices. Apple will remove the notch and shift the camera layout into the Dynamic Island cutout. This will make the iPhone 17e feel more modern while still keeping its low price target.
SquaredTech notes that Apple has been adjusting its iPhone release cycle across different regions. Apple wants to introduce more models earlier in the year instead of saving every launch for September. The iPhone 17e is part of this change. Apple plans to reveal the iPhone 17e in the spring. This will allow the company to separate entry models from premium models. Apple believes this can increase sales growth by giving buyers two upgrade moments each year.
12th Generation iPad Will Bring Apple Intelligence To Budget Users
Apple also plans to release the 12th generation iPad early next year. Apple will keep the same physical design but upgrade the chip to the A18. This will give the iPad enough processing power to support Apple Intelligence for the first time. Apple Intelligence is the company’s growing AI platform that supports writing tools image creation and new device features. The decision to bring these AI tools to the low cost iPad is a major step because the current tenth generation iPad cannot support them.
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Apple wants to increase reach by letting budget users access the same AI features currently available on the iPad Air and iPad Pro. This will help Apple encourage more long term ecosystem engagement. Users who buy a budget iPad today may move to more advanced Apple devices in the future once they get used to Apple Intelligence features.
The 12th generation iPad will keep a simple layout. Apple wants to reduce confusion by maintaining the familiar design. The company also wants to keep production efficient by reusing existing parts where possible. This strategy allows Apple to maintain a lower price without changing the product category. The upgrade to the A18 marks the most important improvement for daily performance across apps games and streaming.
SquaredTech views this update as a major step because Apple wants AI adoption to reach every price tier. Apple knows the long term value of AI tools will come from scale. The low cost iPad will help Apple expand this scale.
Apple Shifts iPhone Launch Strategy Over Next Two Years
The report also outlines Apple’s wider strategy for the next two years. Apple plans a split launch approach. The second half of next year will include the iPhone 18 Pro models and Apple’s first foldable iPhone. This foldable model will mark Apple’s entry into a category already explored by Samsung and other companies.
During the first half of 2027 Apple will launch the regular iPhone 18 the iPhone 18e and the second generation iPhone Air. The iPhone Air is Apple’s attempt to create a lighter version of the standard model. The second generation version was supposed to launch earlier but the first generation had weak sales. Apple plans to redesign the product and may include dual rear cameras to create a new identity for the device.
Apple believes it can remain stable even with rising DDR memory prices. The company has strong control over its supply chain and expects to avoid major price increases through 2026.
Final Analysis
SquaredTech sees Apple’s early 2026 strategy as a move to expand user reach at lower prices while still keeping the premium experience alive. Apple wants more people entering its ecosystem and these new iPhone iPad and MacBook models serve that goal. Apple rarely builds low cost hardware unless it sees a long term business benefit. The combination of new chips steady design reuse and clear pricing plans shows that Apple is preparing to compete strongly in budget spaces without giving up performance standards.
Apple’s use of A series chips in a MacBook also hints at new possibilities for the future. Apple may build more products with unified chip designs. This could help the company streamline production and create more devices for different price segments.
SquaredTech will continue to track Apple’s early 2026 lineup as more leaks and official announcements appear. This shift toward low cost devices has the potential to reshape Apple’s entire product structure over the next two years.
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