Apple is reportedly developing a new budget-friendly MacBook that may feature an iPhone chip. Here’s everything we know so far.
Apple previously introduced the iPhone 16e as a more affordable option in the iPhone 16 series. Now, the tech giant is shifting its focus to making MacBooks more budget-friendly. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is planning to launch a low-cost MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip — the same processor expected to feature in the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro.
It’s worth noting that the current MacBook Air starts at $999 in the U.S. or ₹99,900 in India. Based on this, the upcoming model could be priced below that threshold, aiming to attract users who want a Mac experience without the high performance—and cost—of the M-series chips.
Powered by an Apple iPhone Chip
Unlike current MacBooks that use Apple’s M-series processors, this budget-friendly model is expected to feature the A18 Pro chip—the same one used in the iPhone 16 Pro, according to the report. While this may seem like a step down, the A18 Pro is no slouch. It boasts a powerful CPU, an upgraded GPU, and a robust Neural Engine optimized for AI-driven tasks.
Benchmark results indicate that the A18 Pro delivers performance comparable to the original M1 chip, which remains more than capable for everyday activities such as web browsing, media streaming, office work, and even light photo or video editing.
New Affordable MacBook: What Else to Expect
Kuo reports that the new MacBook could feature a 13-inch display—the same size as the current MacBook Air. In terms of design, Apple might introduce fresh color options such as silver, pink, yellow, and blue. While other hardware details remain undisclosed, this approach hints at Apple’s intent to broaden its appeal by offering a more visually engaging and budget-friendly device for a wider audience.
When Will It Launch?
Production of the new MacBook is expected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026. Apple is reportedly targeting shipments of 5 to 7 million units in 2026, indicating a significant push to make MacBooks more accessible to a broader audience.
This would be the first time a MacBook is powered by an A-series chip instead of Apple’s Mac-specific M-series. If priced strategically, it could redefine how entry-level users perceive owning a Mac—offering a more affordable gateway into Apple’s laptop ecosystem without compromising essential performance.
Also Read: Apple’s New Accessibility Features in iOS 19, macOS 16, visionOS, and watchOS
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