Overview
- Supply chain reports say Apple will announce the entry MacBook in March, with volume shipments beginning that month.
- Rising DRAM, NAND, and battery costs tied to cobalt price spikes are pressuring pricing, with estimates shifting to roughly $699–$749 from early $599 rumors.
- Production was delayed from late 2025 to the first quarter of 2026, with Quanta handling initial assembly and Foxconn expected to join later.
- Apple is expected to stage press-only “Apple Experience” sessions on March 4 in New York, London, and Shanghai with announcements via press release, though some outlets cite March 5 in New York.
- Apple is reportedly targeting 15–16 million units over two years, and CEO Tim Cook has cautioned that cost pressures will be more noticeable in the second quarter of 2026.