Apple is gearing up to shake the laptop market with a bold and unexpected move — a budget-friendly MacBook powered by the same chip used in the iPhone 16 Pro series. According to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the company is developing a 13-inch notebook designed to directly compete with affordable Chromebooks.
At the heart of this new device lies Apple’s A18 Pro chip, replacing the traditional M-series silicon found in previous MacBooks. While roughly 40% slower than the M4 chip, the A18 Pro delivers multi-core CPU performance comparable to the 2020 M1 MacBook Air — and even surpasses it in graphics. This approach could allow Apple to offer strong performance at a fraction of the price.
The trade-off comes in connectivity and memory. Without Thunderbolt support, the upcoming MacBook will rely solely on standard USB-C ports, and its 8 GB RAM limit firmly positions it as an entry-level option.
Design leaks suggest Apple will maintain its signature minimalist style but with a splash of color. The device is rumored to feature an ultra-thin, lightweight chassis available in silver, blue, pink, and yellow.
In terms of price, expectations hover between $599 and $699, a major step down from the $999 MacBook Air. Production is expected to begin in late 2025, with an official announcement likely before the year ends — unless Apple’s roadmap shifts slightly.