Apple is preparing to disrupt its own MacBook lineup with a surprising new entry: a MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 16 Pro series. Evidence of this device was recently uncovered in Apple’s backend code, signaling a major shift in Apple’s hardware strategy and a new era for affordable MacBooks.
This upcoming MacBook will be the first to use an A-series chip, diverging from Apple’s current M-series silicon found in all other Macs. The A18 Pro, which debuted in the iPhone 16 Pro, features a 16-core Neural Engine, advanced AI processing, and competitive CPU/GPU performance.
Apple aims to make this the most affordable MacBook yet, undercutting the current MacBook Air’s $999 starting price. The move is expected to help Apple reach younger consumers, students, and emerging markets.
The new MacBook is expected to feature a 13-inch display, similar to the MacBook Air, and will be available in multiple colors, including silver, blue, pink, and yellow echoing the vibrant palette of recent iMacs and iPhones.
The A18 Pro chip delivers single-core performance close to the M4 chip and multi-core performance on par with the original M1, making it suitable for everyday computing tasks like web browsing, document editing, and streaming. With its powerful Neural Engine, the new MacBook is expected to support Apple Intelligence features, enabling advanced on-device machine learning and real-time AI processing.
By leveraging a chip designed for iPhones, Apple can reduce production costs and offer a MacBook at a lower price point. Analysts predict shipments of 5–7 million units in 2026, with Apple aiming to return to its pandemic-era MacBook sales peak of 25 million units annually. The A18 Pro-powered MacBook could serve as a proving ground for Apple’s AI ambitions, making advanced features accessible to a wider audience.
The new MacBook is poised to become Apple’s most budget-friendly laptop, providing solid performance for students, casual users, and those seeking a stylish, portable device. The introduction of new color options is likely to appeal to younger buyers and those seeking a personalized look.
While the A18 Pro is powerful, it may not match the multi-core performance or memory capabilities of M-series chips, making it better suited for light to moderate workloads.