Apple’s Entry-Level MacBook With iPhone Chip Could Launch By Early 2026

Apple’s Budget MacBook Strategy

Apple is reportedly developing a more affordable MacBook that could launch before the end of 2025 or in early 2026, according to industry analysis. The device aims to compete with Chromebooks and drive MacBook adoption among budget-conscious consumers, marking a significant shift in Apple’s laptop strategy.

Pricing and Market Position

The budget MacBook is expected to start between $599 and $699, according to reports from DigiTimes. This would position it significantly below the current 13-inch MacBook Air, which starts at $999 in the U.S. market. Analysts suggest Apple may be looking to replace the aging M1-powered 2020 MacBook Air, which Walmart currently sells for $649, with a modern, purpose-built budget alternative.

Chip Strategy Departure

In a notable departure from Apple’s current approach, the budget MacBook would reportedly use the A18 Pro chip that debuted in the iPhone 16 Pro rather than Apple’s M-series processors typically found in Macs. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo first reported this strategic shift back in June, indicating the move makes sense from both cost and performance perspectives.

While the A18 Pro chip is approximately 40% slower than Apple’s current M4 chip, sources indicate its multi-core CPU performance is virtually identical to the M1 chip in the 2020 MacBook Air. The chip even reportedly outperforms the M1 for graphics tasks, suggesting it could provide adequate performance for entry-level users., according to industry analysis

Design and Features

The device is expected to feature an ultra-thin and lightweight design, according to analyst reports. Multiple color options including silver, blue, pink, and yellow finishes are anticipated, marking a departure from Apple’s typically conservative MacBook color palette.

One potential limitation analysts note is that the A18 Pro chip lacks Thunderbolt support, meaning the new MacBook would likely be equipped with regular USB-C ports instead. However, this may not significantly impact budget-conscious consumers seeking the most affordable Mac option available.

Production Timeline

Mass production is scheduled to begin toward the end of the fourth quarter of 2025 or early in the first quarter of 2026, according to Kuo’s analysis. DigiTimes corroborates this timeline, reporting that final assembly would take place in the fourth quarter, with commercial availability expected in late 2025 or early 2026.

The timing suggests Apple could still announce the device before year’s end, though it remains unclear whether the company has additional product announcements planned for 2025. Apple has historically announced new products as late as October and November, leaving the door open for a potential 2025 reveal.

Potential Limitations

Questions remain about the device’s memory configuration, since the A18 Pro chip typically includes only 8GB of RAM. This would place it below all current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, which start with a minimum of 16GB of RAM. The impact this might have on performance for modern computing tasks remains uncertain, according to analysts.

Despite these potential limitations, the budget MacBook could represent Apple’s most aggressive push into the entry-level laptop market since the original MacBook Air’s introduction. The move signals Apple’s recognition of growing competition in the budget segment and the company’s willingness to adapt its strategy to capture market share.

References

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacBook
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Inc.
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacBook_Air
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPhone
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_M1

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