Particle.news
Download on the App Store
22 ARTICLES
·
2d ago

Apple Eyes Cheaper 13-Inch MacBook Powered by iPhone A18 Pro Chip

TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects mass production to begin late 2025 with 5–7 million budget MacBook shipments projected for 2026.

MacBook Air (M4, 2025)
The new, affordable MacBook could be an ideal choice for students. (Pictured: MacBook Air).
While hardware specs remain largely under wraps, the shift to the A18 Pro processor marks a significant departure from Apple’s norm.
Image

Overview

  • Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports Apple is developing a 13-inch MacBook powered by the A18 Pro iPhone chip as a lower-cost alternative to the $999 MacBook Air.
  • The unannounced model is expected to enter mass production in late Q4 2025 or early Q1 2026 with colorful casing options including silver, blue, pink, and yellow.
  • Apple aims to ship 5–7 million units of the rumored A18 Pro MacBook in 2026 to capture budget-minded consumers and boost overall MacBook volume.
  • The plan would leverage existing supply partnerships with Everwin Precision for casing sourcing to meet projected demand.
  • Using a mobile-grade chip could allow Apple to lower the entry price below $999 and better compete with Chromebooks and low-cost Windows laptops.