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There may be a more budget-friendly MacBook coming your way soon!
Apple is reportedly working on a new, more affordable 13-inch MacBook that will feature an unexpected component: a chip originally designed for its iPhones. This intriguing detail comes from well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who shared on X that this new laptop could launch as early as late 2025 or early 2026.
The iPhone Chip Inside Your Laptop
This MacBook is said to be equipped wih the Apple A18 Pro chip. This chip powers the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, and is expected to power the next generation of iPhone Pro models.
"Will an iPhone chip even be enough for a MacBook?"
All current MacBooks use Apple's custom-designed "M" series chips (M1, M2, M3, M4). These chips are built specifically for Macs and are generally known for their higher core counts, support for more RAM, and greater sustained performance for very demanding professional workloads.
Meanwhile, Apple's A-series chips, already found in iPhones and iPads, feature a 6-core CPU, typically with two high-performance cores for demanding tasks and four energy-efficient cores for everyday operations. The A18 Pro chip is also equipped with a 6-core GPU for strong graphics performance and a 16-core Neural Engine, which allows it to run Apple Intelligence to its fullest potential.
The tech giant has also stated that the A18 Pro chip is more efficient and uses less energy to deliver the same performance as the A17 Pro in the iPhone 15 Pro. So, you could be getting solid performance for everyday tasks without draining your battery quickly.
Cheaper MacBooks for Your Consideration
While the A18 Pro is powerful in its own right, it may not be able to compete with other MacBooks equipped with Apple's M-series chips (like the M4). The rumoured model is likely to be geared towards lighter, everyday use rather than more intensive tasks like professional video editing or 3D rendering.
Apple's MacBooks are often a pretty big commitment financially for most people. The price of the current MacBook Air starts at around RM4,499, while an older M1 MacBook Air model costs as low as RM2,999. So, if you've always wanted to own a Mac, definitely keep your eyes out on this new MacBook.
Kuo didn't share any other specifics about this MacBook or the chip powering it, besides saying it'll be "more affordable." He also hinted at a more vibrant colour palette for this new MacBook, including silver, blue, pink, and yellow.
This move suggests Apple is actively looking to expand its MacBook lineup to appeal to a broader audience, potentially even competing with mid-range Windows laptops or Chromebooks While details are under wraps, I personally love the idea of an efficient, colourful, and more affordable MacBook powered by an iPhone chip.
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