Apple is currently working on a move that could change the laptop market: According to a report by Ming-Chi Kuo, a senior and well-respected analyst specializing in Apple products, the company is expected to launch a new and particularly affordable MacBook model. Unlike the current MacBook models that are based on the M-series chips, the new model will instead be based on the A18 Pro chip, the same one found in the iPhone 16 Pro models. According to estimates, the new computer will enter production lines at the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026, will include a 13-inch screen similar to the current Air model, and will be significantly cheaper than it. The main difference will be in performance — but even that may not be noticeable for most users, especially for daily and simple uses.
Although this is a “mobile” component, performance tests show that it is not far behind Apple’s advanced M-series chips. In single-core scores, for example, the chip reaches 3,500 points in the Geekbench test — a result close to the M4 currently installed in the new Mac Mini. While the difference is more noticeable in multi-core performance (about 8,780 compared to 15,000), for most users — who perform simple tasks such as browsing, emails, and document editing — the difference will be almost unnoticeable.
The performance of the A18 Pro is very similar to that of the M1 chip, which was launched in 2020 and marked a significant leap forward at the time. In fact, many computers with M1 are still being sold and are in daily use with a satisfying user experience. In this way, Apple signals that the new model may be less powerful than the premium models, but is definitely capable of delivering a full Mac experience — at a price point never seen before.
The most intriguing part of this story is the price. Apple has never offered a laptop for less than $999, but according to forecasts, it is aiming for mass production of between 5 and 7 million units as early as 2026. To justify such an ambitious target, the price is expected to be especially attractive — aimed at students, casual users, and even a younger audience looking for a “first” computer. With the option of a colorful design — including pink, yellow, and silver — it seems that Apple wants to convey lightness and accessibility, both in terms of price and overall experience.