Apple may launch a budget MacBook with iPhone A18 Pro chip: What we know so far

In an intriguing revelation, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has hinted that Apple is working on an all-new budget MacBook powered by its A18 Pro chipset, marking the first time an iPhone chip could power a Mac.

The rumored MacBook would position itself below the MacBook Air lineup, offering a more affordable entry point into Apple’s ecosystem — potentially priced between $699 and $899.

A18 Pro chip inside a Mac?

Currently used in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, the A18 Pro features a 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. While this chip is around 40% slower than Apple’s premium M4 silicon, its performance reportedly aligns with the 2020 MacBook Air.

Apple is expected to pair the A18 Pro with 8GB of RAM — a significant downgrade from the base 16GB RAM seen in current MacBooks — and a single USB-C port without Thunderbolt speeds. The port would max out at 10Gbps, making it suitable for casual tasks but not for high-speed data transfers or advanced workflows.

Design and colors

The new MacBook could sport an ultrathin, lightweight design, reminiscent of the now-discontinued 12-inch MacBook but with a 13-inch display, similar to the smaller MacBook Air. Kuo suggests it will come in Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow, adding some vibrant options to the traditionally muted MacBook palette.

Limitations and compromises

While the A18 Pro offers solid performance for everyday use, it lacks support for Thunderbolt, caps at 8GB RAM, and is estimated to deliver weaker multi-core performance compared to Apple’s M-series chips. However, the chip’s efficient ARM architecture and decent graphics capabilities could still make it an appealing choice for budget-conscious users.

Production timeline

Mass production of this budget MacBook is expected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026, with shipments starting in early 2026.

Why now?

Ever since Apple transitioned from Intel processors to its own ARM-based Apple Silicon, rumors have circulated about the company using iPhone-class chips in Macs. The A18 Pro’s power efficiency and Apple’s unified architecture appear to have finally made this feasible.

For users looking for an affordable, portable Mac for basic productivity, browsing, and media, this could become an attractive option — but power users might still want to stick to the M-series models.

We’ll keep an eye out as more details emerge closer to its anticipated launch.