A cheaper MacBook model powered by iPhone chip reportedly in the works

Apple may be planning to launch a cheaper MacBook model, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In a recent post on X, Kuo claims the new laptop could enter production in late 2025 or early 2026.

Unlike current MacBooks powered by Apple’s M-series chips, this upcoming model is expected to use the A18 Pro which is the same chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro. The device may come in multiple colors, including silver, pink, and yellow, and could retain the 13-inch display seen on the current MacBook Air.

Kuo notes that aside from the processor, the rest of the specs may be largely similar to the MacBook Air. However, pricing details remain unclear. He adds that Apple is targeting between five to seven million units in production for 2026, hinting at a more aggressive price point than usual.

All Apple Silicon Macs to date have used M-series chips, but the A18 Pro appears capable of handling general tasks. Based on early Geekbench scores, the A18 Pro hits around 3,500 in single-core performance, slightly below the M4, while multi-core scores reach about 8,780, closer to the original M1 chip from 2020.

This performance level may be enough for everyday tasks, especially for users with basic computing needs. The actual appeal of the product will likely depend on how much cheaper it is compared to the MacBook Air, which has been Apple’s most affordable laptop option to date.

In the Philippines, the MacBook Air M4 starts at PHP 42,200 (via Power Mac Center). If the report is accurate, the upcoming budget MacBook could be priced significantly lower.

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