Apple is making strides to introduce a more affordable laptop, targeting budget-conscious consumers. The tech giant is developing a new 13-inch laptop powered by the A18 Pro chip, which is currently utilized in its latest iPhone line. This decision to use a smartphone-grade processor instead of the traditional M-series chips is aimed at reducing manufacturing costs while still delivering sufficient performance for typical users, including students.
Ming-Chi Kuo reports that mass production for this device could begin in late 2025 or early 2026, with a design reminiscent of the slim MacBook Air. The laptop will feature a unibody case, potentially fewer ventilation requirements due to the passive cooling of the A18 Pro, and various color options such as silver, blue, pink, and yellow, echoing the vibrancy of earlier iMac models.
This new offering plays a crucial role in Apple’s strategy to elevate its desktop and laptop sales back to pre-pandemic levels, aiming for around 25 million units in 2026. After experiencing a drop this year, Apple forecasts shipping approximately 20 million MacBooks in 2025, with the new 13-inch model projected to contribute between five and seven million units to those sales. While the A18 Pro’s single-core performance matches that of the latest M4, its multi-core capabilities may not stack up as well, raising intrigue about how it will function in a desktop environment. Nevertheless, for everyday tasks and basic office use, this could turn out to be an effective device for many.
Overall, this new direction reflects Apple’s commitment to offering more accessible products while maintaining quality, potentially paving the way for an enhanced user experience among a broader audience.