Apple's Upcoming Budget-Friendly MacBook: What We Know So Far

Apple is cooking up something new in the MacBook world. This time, it's not just another fancy M-series chip. They're switching things up with the A18 Pro, a chip usually found in iPhones. This move is big news because it's the first time an iPhone chip will power a MacBook. The new MacBook is expected to be a budget-friendly option. It will likely come with a 13-inch screen and a variety of colors to choose from, including silver, blue, pink, and yellow. The model identifier for this device is "Mac17, 1, " which was spotted in some backend code related to Apple Intelligence. Now, why is this a big deal? Well, all Apple silicon Macs so far have used M-series chips. These chips are powerful, supporting more memory and better external display options. The A18 Pro, on the other hand, is the same chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro. It's a step down in power but a step up in affordability. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shared some insights on this new MacBook. He expects it to hit mass production late in the fourth quarter of 2025 or early in the first quarter of 2026. That means we could see it launch in the first half of next year. This new MacBook is a sign that Apple is thinking about more than just high-end users. They're looking to offer something for everyone, including those who want a good MacBook without breaking the bank. It's an interesting shift, and it will be exciting to see how this plays out.