Apple reveals possible 12.9-inch MacBook without notch in macOS 26 Tahoe beta

In the sixth beta version of macOS 26 Tahoe, Apple has included a new onboarding video that shows users some of the new features of the update when the MacBook is booted up for the first time after the update is installed. As users quickly noticed, the onboarding video shows a MacBook that does not have a notch at all.

Apart from that, the design is very much the same as the current MacBook Air. The most likely explanation for this discrepancy is that it is simply a mistake and the notch was not taken into account when creating the video. However, the video is stoking speculation that the affordable 13-inch MacBook may come without a notch, but will otherwise be based on the design of the MacBook Air. If Apple installs a smaller webcam and slightly wider screen bezels, it is quite conceivable that the camera could fit into the top edge of the screen without a large bulge in the panel.

According to the latest rumors, mass production of this "cheap MacBook" is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025, making a launch toward the end of this year or early next year likely. The notebook is said to feature the Apple A18 Pro processor, already known from the iPhone 16 Pro, and be equipped with a 12.9-inch display. In addition to the colorful casing in silver, pink, yellow or blue, the price is said to be the biggest selling point of this MacBook, as the notebook is expected to hit the market at prices ranging from $599 to $699.