
Apple's Game-Changing Affordable MacBook: What You Need to Know!
2025-07-02
Author: Kai
Rumors are swirling around Apple’s next innovation: a new, budget-friendly MacBook powered by an iPhone chip! According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this laptop is set to shake things up in 2026.
Revolutionary Chip Technology
The upcoming MacBook is rumored to feature the A18 Pro chip, marking a historic first for Apple as it brings an iPhone chip to its laptop lineup. Last seen with the Mac mini in 2020, the A12Z chip was purely a stopgap measure while Apple transitioned away from Intel. The A18 Pro, which debuted in the iPhone 16 Pro models, boasts an impressive 6-core CPU and GPU alongside a cutting-edge 16-core Neural Engine.
While the A18 Pro chip might trail behind Apple’s premium M4 chip—about 40% slower—it offers enticing multi-core CPU performance nearly on par with the 2020 MacBook Air's M1 chip, and excels in graphics capabilities. This performance intricately ties into its expected pricing.
Affordable Pricing Expected!
Kuo hinted that pricing will be significantly more accessible, potentially ranging from $699 to $899—far less than the current $999 for the 13-inch MacBook Air. As the tech landscape evolves, this new MacBook could essentially fill the void left by the aging M1-powered Air, which is still available for as low as $649.
Specs: What to Look For
Specs are still under wraps, but early indications reveal that the A18 Pro chip won’t support Thunderbolt, limiting connections to standard USB-C ports with a data speed cap of 10 Gb/s. This might also mean the laptop could only natively support one external display. Additionally, while iPhones using the A18 Pro come with 8GB of RAM, current MacBook models kick off with at least 16GB, hinting at possible limitations for this new device.
A Nod to Nostalgia: Design and Colors
Fans of Apple's iconic 12-inch MacBook might find themselves hopeful. The new MacBook is expected to sport a compact 13-inch display, similar to the MacBook Air, but with a lightweight, ultra-thin design reminiscent of its predecessor. Color options could be vibrant, including silver, blue, pink, and yellow—think bright and fun like the iMac!
When Can We Expect It?
While Kuo has not nailed down a specific launch date, he predicts that mass production will kick off by late 2025, with shipments rolling out in 2026. This means the tech world is in for a treat, as this budget-friendly MacBook could hit the market next year, possibly igniting a new wave of interest in Apple's laptop offerings.