Upcoming MacBook may feature an Apple-designed mobile processor, similar to the one in iPhones.
Apple is set to release a new MacBook, promising a blend of affordability, performance, and stylish design, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's predictions. The upcoming device is rumoured to feature the Apple A18 Pro chip, a departure from the M-series chips traditionally used in MacBooks.
The A18 Pro chip, anticipated to debut in the iPhone 16 Pro series, is expected to power the new MacBook. Early benchmarks suggest the A18 Pro achieves a single-core score of around 3500 and a multi-core score near 8780 on Geekbench, putting it roughly on par with the original M1 chip from 2020. While it is not as powerful as the latest M4 chip in multi-core tasks, it should offer sufficient performance for everyday computing like browsing, content consumption, document editing, and light media creation.
The new MacBook will reportedly feature a 13-inch panel, similar in size to the MacBook Air's display, maintaining a thin and portable format. In terms of design, the MacBook could boast an aluminum body with new color options, aiming to appeal to a wider, style-conscious audience. Industry speculation suggests the device could be priced under $799, breaking Apple's longstanding $999 minimum price barrier for MacBooks, positioning it to compete directly with budget laptops and Chromebooks in the education and entry-level markets.
Since the A18 Pro is a mobile-focused chip optimized for efficiency, the laptop is expected to feature good battery life and run cooler than more powerful M-series Macs, making it suitable for everyday mobile use. Mass production is expected to start in late 2025 or early 2026, with initial shipments estimated between 5 to 7 million units, signalling Apple's confidence in strong market demand, especially among budget and education users.
The A17 Pro chip, currently powering the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, has a six-core CPU, six-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. While the exact specifications and release date of the new MacBook are not yet confirmed, if equipped with the A18 Pro chip, it could potentially make the device a leader in battery life and boast impressive power and energy efficiency.
In summary, Apple’s affordable MacBook with the A18 Pro chip aims to provide a balance of adequate performance, attractive design, and a breakthrough lower price, targeting casual users, students, and budget-conscious buyers who prioritize portability and efficiency over high-end computing power.
The A18 Pro chip, slated to debut in both the iPhone 16 Pro series and the upcoming MacBook, is expected to deliver impressive power and energy efficiency. Early benchmarks indicate that the A18 Pro achieves a performance comparable to the original M1 chip from 2020.
The new MacBook, expected to feature a 13-inch panel and an aluminum body with new color options, could potentially break Apple’s $999 price barrier, positioning it to compete with budget laptops and Chromebooks.
With the A18 Pro’s focus on efficiency, the laptop is anticipated to provide good battery life and run cooler than more powerful M-series MacBooks. This makes it suitable for everyday mobile use and targets casual users, students, and budget-conscious buyers who prioritize portability and efficiency over high-end computing power.
Industry speculation suggests that the new MacBook, once mass-produced in late 2025 or early 2026, could potentially ship between 5 to 7 million units, signaling strong market demand, especially among budget and education users.
