Affordable Apple MacBook May Launch with A18 Pro Chipset
Highlights:
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Apple’s entry-level MacBook may launch in the first half of 2026.
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The display size is expected to match that of the MacBook Air M4.
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The MacBook may use the same A18 Pro chip found in current flagship iPhones.
Since 2020, Apple has used its own custom M-series silicon chips in all MacBook models. However, this strategy may shift by 2026. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is planning to equip a MacBook with the A18 Pro chip, which is currently found in the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. This move could help reduce production costs and make the MacBook more affordable for a wider audience. The A18 Pro may later be replaced by the A19 Pro, expected to debut with the iPhone 17 Pro series.
Apple A18 Pro MacBook Details (Expected)
Ming-Chi Kuo, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stated that mass production of the MacBook with the A18 Pro chip may begin in late Q4 2025 or early Q1 2026. The laptop is expected to feature a 13-inch display, similar to the MacBook Air M4. The device may also come in several color options, including silver, blue, pink, and yellow.
Given that this MacBook will be based on an iPhone chipset, it is likely to be more affordable than the MacBook Air M4, which is currently the most budget-friendly option in Apple’s lineup. Kuo also notes that Apple aims to recover MacBook sales lost during the COVID-19 period. The company may target shipments of 5 to 7 million units in 2026 for this budget MacBook alone.
Expected Launch Timeline and Software
Since mass production is expected to begin by early 2026, the launch could take place in the first half of the year. Apple typically updates its MacBook Air lineup during this period. While no official details are available about the software, this would mark the first time an iPhone processor is used in a Mac running macOS—if Apple offers a full desktop operating system experience. It remains to be seen whether there will be any limitations in hardware or software compared to MacBooks with M-series chips.
Performance Comparison
In benchmark tests, the iPhone 16 Pro with the A18 Pro chip scored 3,317 in single-core and 8,115 in multi-core performance. In comparison, the MacBook Air M4 scored 3,763 in single-core and 14,694 in multi-core results, according to Geekbench. While the A18 Pro may not match the M4 in raw performance, it is still capable of handling tasks like multitasking, video editing, and web browsing efficiently.