The latest episode of The MacRumors Show has ignited discussions across the Apple community, focusing on a significant report from prominent analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Apple is reportedly planning to launch an entirely new, “affordable” MacBook that will break from tradition by being powered not by an M-series chip, but by an iPhone chip specifically, the A18 Pro. This strategic shift signals Apple’s intent to broaden the accessibility of its Mac lineup, mirroring its tiered approach to the iPad and iPhone. Evidence for such a device, identified as “Mac17,1” and confirmed to use the A18 Pro chip, was initially spotted by MacRumors in backend code related to Apple Intelligence last summer, adding substantial credibility to Kuo’s recent report.
The A18 Pro MacBook: Features and Differentiators
The rumored low-cost MacBook is expected to feature a 13-inch display, a popular size for portability and everyday productivity. Breaking away from the often muted color palettes of current MacBooks, this new model is anticipated to come in a vibrant array of options, including silver, blue, pink, and yellow, akin to the standard iPad and MacBook Air lines.
The most defining characteristic of this new machine will be its A18 Pro chip. This marks a historic first, as all previous Apple silicon Macs have exclusively utilized the M-series chips (M1, M2, M3, M4, and their Pro/Max/Ultra variants). M-series chips are designed for higher performance, supporting greater core counts, larger amounts of unified memory, and superior external display support, making them ideal for demanding professional workflows. The A18 Pro chip, which debuted in the iPhone 16 Pro last year (September 2024), while incredibly powerful for a smartphone, is architecturally different from its M-series counterparts.
This fundamental difference in silicon implies several key limitations for the A18 Pro MacBook compared to M-series Macs:
- Port Selection: It is highly unlikely to feature Thunderbolt ports, instead relying on standard USB-C connectivity.
- Unified Memory (RAM): The device is expected to be limited to 8GB of unified memory, similar to the base iPhone and iPad Pro models with A-series chips. For comparison, M-series Macs typically start at 8GB but offer much higher configurations (up to 128GB or more on Pro/Max/Ultra chips).
- External Display Support: The A18 Pro MacBook will likely support only one external display, a common characteristic of A-series powered devices, whereas M-series Macs can drive multiple high-resolution displays.
To keep costs down and visually differentiate this new entry-level model, Apple could re-use the design and chassis of an older machine, such as the beloved M1 MacBook Air. This strategy of leveraging existing successful designs has been seen with other low-cost Apple devices, allowing them to offer modern internals in a proven form factor. Furthermore, Apple might revive the simple “MacBook” moniker, effectively separating it from the “MacBook Air” and “MacBook Pro” lines. This would mirror the current iPad lineup, where the “iPad” serves as the accessible entry-level model, distinct from the “iPad Air” and “iPad Pro.”
Launch Timeline and Strategic Positioning
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the mass production for this new MacBook is projected to commence in late Q4 2025 or early Q1 2026. This timeline positions the official launch in the first half of next year, likely coinciding with Apple’s spring product announcements or perhaps a standalone event. Kuo further suggested that Apple aims to significantly boost its total MacBook shipments, targeting figures around the COVID-19 peak of 25 million units in 2026, with this more affordable MacBook potentially accounting for a substantial 5-7 million units of that total. This aggressive production target strongly implies a very competitive price point designed to attract a new segment of users to the Mac ecosystem.
This rumored A18 Pro MacBook is not an isolated development but rather fits into Apple’s broader strategy for its low-cost devices. It signals a more distinct tiered approach across its product categories. By introducing a MacBook with an iPhone chip, Apple can create a product that:
- Offers a lower entry price: Potentially undercutting the current MacBook Air, which starts at $999. This would bring the Mac experience to a wider audience, including students and budget-conscious consumers.
- Differentiates performance tiers clearly: Users will understand that M-series Macs are for higher-performance tasks and professional work, while A-series Macs are for more casual computing, Browse, and light productivity.
- Leverages economies of scale: Utilizing existing iPhone chips and potentially older chassis designs allows Apple to reduce manufacturing costs significantly.
The discussions on The MacRumors Show also delve into how this move positions Apple’s device lineups going forward and the potential for a more harmonized software experience between macOS and iPadOS, given the shared A-series silicon. This could lead to a “macOS light” experience optimized for these more resource-constrained (compared to M-series) devices.
The prospect of a low-cost MacBook powered by an iPhone’s A18 Pro chip represents a fascinating and potentially transformative step for Apple. While it will undoubtedly carry certain limitations compared to its M-series brethren, its rumored affordability, compact 13-inch form factor, and vibrant color options could open up the Mac experience to millions more users worldwide. As mass production nears, the industry will be watching closely to see how Apple strategically prices and positions this new entrant, and how it impacts the competitive landscape of the portable computing market. The MacRumors Show will undoubtedly continue to be a go-to source for updates on this intriguing development.
