Apple May Launch Its Most Affordable MacBook Yet. Apple is planning something new that could be a big change for its MacBook lineup. Reports suggest the tech giant may soon release its most budget-friendly MacBook ever. This move could help more people own a MacBook, especially those who found current models too expensive. According to trusted tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is developing a new low-cost MacBook model.
What makes this upcoming model special is its processor. Unlike other MacBooks that run on Apple’s powerful M-series chips, this one will use the A18 Pro chip. This chip is also expected to be used in the iPhone 16 Pro, which shows that Apple is looking to share technology across its devices in new ways.
Launch Plans and Apple’s Goals
Apple is planning to start mass production of this new MacBook model either in late 2025 or early 2026. The company hopes to ship around 5 to 7 million units in the first year alone. That’s a huge number, showing Apple’s confidence in how well this laptop could sell.
By offering a more affordable MacBook, Apple aims to attract users who want a reliable laptop for everyday use but don’t need all the high-end features of the current MacBook Pro or Air models. This includes students, casual users, and people switching from Windows laptops for the first time.
Although Apple has not officially shared the complete specs of the new model, Ming-Chi Kuo said it will likely come with a 13-inch display. This is the same size used in the current MacBook Air, which is popular for being slim, light, and portable.
A Big Change: iPhone Chip in a MacBook
The biggest difference in this new MacBook is the chip inside. Apple is expected to use the A18 Pro chip, which is part of its A-series chips usually found in iPhones. This is a major shift, as MacBooks have been using the M-series chips that are designed specifically for computers.
However, this move does make sense when you look at performance. The A18 Pro chip has very strong single-core and multi-core performance. On Geekbench, a popular testing platform, it scores about 3500 for single-core and 8780 for multi-core. These numbers are close to the original M1 chip, which is still powerful enough for regular tasks like web browsing, document editing, watching videos, and even some light creative work.
Apple may also make this MacBook look more exciting by offering different colors. There’s a chance it could come in silver, pink, and yellow—colors that remind people of older MacBooks and the colorful iMacs. This could help the laptop stand out and appeal to younger users and students.
Pricing, Expectations, and Future Impact
Right now, Apple has not shared how much this new MacBook will cost. But one thing is clear: Apple has never released a brand-new MacBook for under $999. If this model is priced below that, it could become one of the best-selling MacBooks ever, making the Mac lineup more accessible than ever before.
Still, Apple will need to convince customers that a MacBook running on an iPhone chip is worth buying. Many users expect their laptops to be very powerful, and some might doubt whether an A18 chip can handle all their needs. Apple will have to show that this new MacBook offers great performance for its price.
In the end, if this low-cost MacBook delivers good speed, attractive design, and long battery life—all at a lower price—it could be a huge success. It would bring more people into the Apple ecosystem and help the company grow its laptop market in a big way.
