Apple's upcoming MacBook could have iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip: Check all details

Apple is gearing up to introduce a more accessible MacBook model, with production anticipated to commence later this year and shipping expected in early 2026. Sources from the industry, as reported by DigiTimes, indicate that this new laptop could retail for $699 for the general public and $599 for students through Apple’s educational pricing, significantly undercutting the existing entry-level MacBook Air, which starts at $999 or $899 for educational customers. This forthcoming model is rumored to feature a 12.9-inch display, slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch screen of the MacBook Air, and it’s likely to have a lower resolution and brightness compared to the Liquid Retina display on the Air. The device is expected to be available in several colors, including silver, blue, pink, and yellow, and designed to be ultra-thin and lightweight. Analysts predict that it will be lighter than the M4 MacBook Air, which weighs 2.7 pounds, although it remains uncertain if it will weigh less than 2.5 pounds. At the heart of this new MacBook will be Apple’s A18 Pro processor, the same chip set to power the iPhone 16 Pro, rather than the M-series processors typically used in Mac devices. While the A18 Pro may not match the performance of Apple’s silicon for Macs, it is expected to support Apple’s AI features, enhancing user experience with advanced capabilities. The base model is speculated to come equipped with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, with hopes from some consumers that a 256GB option could be available at launch. Mass production of certain components is projected to initiate by the end of Q3 2025, with final assembly occurring in the fourth quarter at Quanta Computer’s facilities. Market analysts believe that Apple is positioning this MacBook as a rival to Chromebooks and budget Windows laptops, potentially increasing MacBook shipments by 30-40%. Initial sales projections suggest between 5 million and 7 million units could be sold at launch. However, the pricing strategy may also place it in competition with Apple’s iPad range, as an 11-inch iPad with an A16 chip retails for ₹36,900 for students. This could indicate that Apple aims to market the new MacBook as a conventional laptop alternative ideal for educational and budget-conscious consumers. While Apple has yet to confirm any specifics about this device, it remains unclear whether it will be branded under the MacBook Air line or reintroduce the standalone “MacBook” branding.