In this week’s episode of The MacRumors Show, we delve into Apple’s anticipated launch of a budget-friendly MacBook that will be powered by an iPhone chip. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this new device is expected to feature a 13-inch display and will utilize the A18 Pro chip.
Available color options are rumored to include silver, blue, pink, and yellow. MacRumors first detected indications of this new MacBook in backend codes associated with Apple Intelligence last summer, later confirming its specifications, including the A18 Pro chip and the identifier “Mac17,1.”
This development marks a significant shift, as it will be the first Mac to utilize an iPhone chip; up until now, Apple’s silicon Macs have exclusively featured M-series chips, which are generally equipped with higher core counts and better external display support. Given the capabilities of the A18 Pro chip, the new MacBook might omit some features such as Thunderbolt ports and support for more than 8GB of unified memory and multiple external displays.
It is likely the design could be based on older models like the M1 MacBook Air, helping to maintain cost efficiency. Kuo predicts that mass production of this new MacBook will commence towards the end of the fourth quarter of 2025 or the beginning of the first quarter of 2026, aiming for a launch in the first half of next year.
We also touch upon Apple’s overall strategy for low-cost devices and how they are positioning their product line in the future. For ongoing discussions about the latest news from MacRumors and special guest appearances, be sure to subscribe to The MacRumors Show for weekly episodes.
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