Apple appears to be developing a new budget-friendly MacBook that diverges from the brand’s traditional offerings. Reports from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggest that this 13-inch MacBook may be powered by the A18 Pro chip, a processor that debuted in the iPhone 16 Pro last year. If accurate, this would mark the first instance of Apple using an iPhone-class chip in a Mac, as the company has typically relied on M-series chips for its laptops. Anticipated production of this device could begin by late 2025 or early 2026, with a possible release in the first half of the next year.
The new MacBook may be available in several vibrant colors, such as Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow, consistent with Apple’s strategy to appeal to consumers through eye-catching designs. While the A18 Pro chip may not match the performance levels of the current M-series processors, it is expected to be adequate for standard activities like web browsing, video streaming, and office tasks, as well as leveraging some advanced features integrated in recent iPhones. This initiative seems to aim at revitalizing MacBook sales, which have experienced a slowdown largely attributable to the elevated pricing of current models. A more affordable MacBook could draw in students, casual users, and budget-conscious customers interested in the Mac ecosystem without the hefty price tag.
However, questions remain regarding the positioning of this new device within Apple’s lineup. Will it be categorized beneath the MacBook Air, or will it carve out a new niche? Moreover, as Apple transitions to iPhone silicon for laptops, concerns arise regarding the compromises in macOS functionality and user experience. Nonetheless, if Apple successfully balances affordability with performance, this can signify a transformative phase for its MacBook range.