Apple is reportedly developing a more affordable MacBook powered by an iPhone chip, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In a recent post on X, Kuo said Apple plans to begin production of the new device in late 2025 or early 2026.
The upcoming MacBook is expected to use the A18 Pro chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 16 Pro series—instead of the typical Apple Silicon M-series chips. It may also come in vibrant color options such as silver, pink, and yellow.
13-inch design, lower-cost focus
Kuo suggests the cheaper MacBook will retain the 13-inch screen size, similar to the current MacBook Air. Aside from the processor, most specs may remain unchanged, making it a cost-effective choice for everyday users.
Apple is reportedly aiming to manufacture between 5 and 7 million units in 2026, hinting at an aggressive pricing strategy to attract a broader market. This would mark a notable shift for Apple, which has never offered a MacBook below the $999 price point.
A18 Pro performance compared
According to Geekbench benchmarks reported by 9to5Mac, the A18 Pro’s single-core score is around, 3500—just behind the M4 chip in the latest Mac mini. While its multi-core score (8780 approx.) trails the M4 (15000 approx.), it’s roughly on par with the original M1 chip, which still offers solid performance for most everyday tasks.
Since many daily computing operations remain single-core dependent, the A18 Pro may deliver adequate performance for typical MacBook usage despite its lower multi-core numbers.
Price will be the deciding factor
Exact pricing remains unknown, but the success of this model will largely depend on how much it undercuts the MacBook Air. If priced significantly lower, the new model could reshape Apple’s laptop strategy and expand its customer base.
For now, details remain limited beyond Kuo’s report, and we may learn more as development progresses.