Word on the street is that Apple's gearing up to launch some new entry-level devices early next year. I'm talking about iPhones, iPads, and even a MacBook that won't break the bank. It sounds like Apple is trying to capture a wider audience with more affordable options.

The most exciting part, for me, is this new budget-friendly MacBook. Apparently, it'll be powered by an A-series chip – specifically, the A18 Pro, which is expected to debut in the iPhone 16 Pro this year. Using iPhone chips in MacBooks isn't exactly new, but a MacBook designed with affordability as a primary goal? That's a different story. Imagine a sleek, capable laptop with a familiar Apple experience, but at a price that's actually attainable.

However, to hit that lower price point – we're talking somewhere in the $700-$900 range – Apple might have to make some compromises. I wouldn't be surprised if they used an older design, perhaps with fewer bells and whistles. We might also see less RAM or a simpler display. Even cutting back to a single USB-C port could be on the table. It's all about finding the right balance between cost and functionality.

Speaking of iPhones, we could see an iPhone 17e – the successor to the rumored iPhone 16e. If that's true, the iPhone 17e could sport a new A19 chip, an upgraded front camera, and Apple's own modem. And here's hoping it finally gets rid of the notch in favor of the Dynamic Island, like its pricier siblings.

As for the iPad, the 12th-generation model is expected to get an A18 chip, which means it can finally use Apple Intelligence. While no big design changes are expected, this upgrade would bring some serious computational power to the entry-level iPad, opening up new possibilities for users on a budget. Let’s see if this new **iPad** and **iPhone** will be worth it.

It also sounds like Apple is planning a different launch strategy for its iPhones going forward. While the high-end iPhone 18 Pro models and their first foldable iPhone are expected in the second half of next year, the more affordable iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and a second-generation iPhone Air might not arrive until early 2027. What this mean? Well, maybe Apple wants to give each model line more breathing room to stand out.

On a final note, even with memory prices going up, it looks like Apple is in a good spot to weather the storm, at least through 2026. This, according to a report, thanks to their strong relationships with suppliers and their ability to negotiate favorable deals. That's good news for consumers, as it could help keep prices down, even as component costs rise.