Apple Plans Affordable MacBook with iPhone Chip for Late 2025 Production

Apple is reportedly developing a more affordable MacBook powered by an iPhone processor, with mass production slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. This timeline suggests a potential launch in late 2025 or early 2026.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo initially revealed that the laptop would feature a 13-inch display and an A18 Pro chip, the same processor introduced in the iPhone 16 Pro models. The device is expected to be available in silver, blue, pink, and yellow, reminiscent of the color options for the 24-inch iMac models released in 2021 and later.

The A18 Pro chip offers performance comparable to Apple's M1 chip, which could position the new MacBook as a budget-friendly alternative within Apple's lineup. The device is anticipated to start at a price point between $599 and $699 in the United States.

Notably, the A18 Pro lacks Thunderbolt support, so the MacBook would likely be equipped with standard USB-C ports, limiting data transfer speeds to up to 10 Gbps. Additionally, the laptop would natively support only a single external display, though this limitation can be addressed with DisplayLink adapters.

The design of the lower-cost MacBook is expected to be ultra-thin and lightweight, drawing comparisons to the discontinued 12-inch MacBook. It would slot below the MacBook Air, which features a 13.6-inch display, an M4 chip, and a starting price of $999.

Apple often announces new Macs in October, so the lower-cost MacBook could debut next month. Otherwise, March 2026 is the next likely timeframe.