Apple may be working on a new, lower-cost MacBook expected to be priced below the current MacBook Air.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this upcoming device could be powered by the A18 Pro chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 16 Pro series—rather than Apple’s usual M-series silicon.
Mass production is expected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026. If launched, this MacBook could be priced under the current MacBook Air’s US$999 tag, which converts to roughly RM4700. Depending on region-specific adjustments, it might start around RM3600 in Malaysia.
Apple’s shift in strategy
Kuo’s report suggests Apple is rethinking its entry-level MacBook lineup to make it more competitive with Chromebooks and other budget laptops.
Instead of using a custom M-series chip, the company plans to use the A18 Pro chip, a high-performance mobile processor already developed for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max.
While the A18 Pro has fewer performance cores compared to the M1 or M2 chips, its single-core performance is reportedly comparable to the M4 chip.
Multi-core performance is closer to the M1 generation, which could still be sufficient for students and light productivity users.
This makes it a potentially cost-effective option for users in Malaysia who need a lightweight and affordable MacBook for everyday tasks like document editing, browsing, and video streaming.
Apple may be targeting annual shipments of around 5 to 7 million units in 2026, suggesting strong confidence in demand at this lower price point.
Our thoughts
The move to use an A-series chip, typically reserved for iPhones, marks a bold change for Apple’s Mac lineup.
It may allow the company to keep costs low while still delivering acceptable performance and battery efficiency. This aligns with Apple’s recent trend of making its chips more scalable across devices.
A reference to a new model identifier, “Mac15,7” or “Mac17,1”, previously spotted in macOS beta code, may point to this cheaper MacBook variant. Expected colours could include silver, blue, pink, and yellow—echoing the colour palette of the iMac or iPad.
Expected tech specs (Unofficial)
Here’s what we know so far about the upcoming MacBook based on reports:
- Processor: Apple A18 Pro (iPhone 16 Pro chip)
- Display: 13-inch screen
- Colours: Silver, blue, pink, yellow
- Estimated Production Volume: 5 to 7 million units in 2026
- Estimated Price: Below US$999 (~RM3600–RM4700 in Malaysia)
Other details such as RAM, battery life, storage, and ports are still unconfirmed.
Would a MacBook powered by an iPhone chip be enough for your daily tasks in Malaysia? Or would you hold out for a full M-series upgrade?
Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more updates.
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