Apple could launch a cut-price MacBook powered by an iPhone chip, new report claims heres why that would be a massive hit

Date:
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 18:00:00 +0000

Description:
Apple could launch a more affordable laptop with an A18 chip next year, a new report claims.

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Apples MacBook range offers some of the best laptops money can buy, and
theres no doubt that theyre premium offerings across the board. That focus on high-end quality means they dont come cheap, but there are whispers now that Apple might be about to change its tune.

Thats because reputable tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has just floated the idea that Apple is working on a much more affordable laptop to appeal to people
put off by its devices high prices. According to Kuo, it could launch as soon as next year.

By the sound of it, the key factor in cutting the price of this MacBook will be the chip. Kuos report states that instead of a Mac-grade M-series chip, this 2026 laptop will come outfitted with an A18 chip that youll find in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus phones. And if you need more proof, MacRumors claims it found backend code referencing a Mac with an A18 Pro chip. Premium positioning (Image credit: Future)

Apple has long positioned itself as a purveyor of premium goods that exude style and class. That shouldnt come as a surprise, as the firms guiding principle is to be the best, not to be the first. Just look at products like the iPhone, iPad , and iPod none of these were the first of their kind when they launched, but they all blew everything else out of the water.

The MacBook is no different. It boasts a solid aluminum chassis, super-fast and efficient chips, the best speakers in any laptop, and a beautiful display that, while not (yet) OLED , still looks fantastic. Round it out with brilliant software and class-leading longevity, and you can see why Apples laptops are so well regarded.

With all these touches, the MacBook is priced accordingly. It doesnt come cheap, but you get what you pay for. This is simply Apples way: it doesnt believe in competing at the low end because it doesnt want to compromise its premium reputation.

The ironic thing is, this is actually not quite what motivated Steve Jobs. He wanted his companys products to be the best, but also affordable. Right from the start of Apple, Jobs wanted to make computing accessible.

Has Apple strayed from that with its high-priced gadgets? Perhaps, perhaps
not when you look at the numbers, its hard to argue with billions of sales. But maybe the lower-priced MacBook will be Apples attempt to return to that affordable mentality in some small way. How much will it cost? (Image credit: Apple)

The key to this devices success will be its price. Dont get too excited were not about to see a $200 Chromebook competitor. That would require cutting far too many corners for Apple to be happy with the end result.

Right now, Apples lowest-priced laptop is the 13-inch MacBook Air , which costs $999 for the public and $899 for students. With that in mind, an A18 MacBook priced at $799 or, perhaps, $699 doesnt feel outside the realm of possibility.

Whatever it ends up being, the pricing needs to be on point because Kuo believes Apples real motivation is to get MacBook sales back to levels last seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

That means selling 25 million units in 2026. Of that figure, Kuo reckons 5-to-7 million could be the A18-powered MacBook. Thats a pretty sizeable
chunk for what sounds like it could be an underpowered device.

But then youve got to remember that Apples iPhone chips are not even close to being underpowered. Theyre easily the best, most powerful mobile chips on the market. For most people, the A18 packs more power into an iPhone than they know what to do with (and doubly so for the A18 Pro). Put it into a Mac and
it might be able to stretch its legs a bit more. (Image credit: Apple)

Add in the fact that, with Apples universal apps framework, apps can be made to run on almost any Apple platform, and theres no need to worry about losing your favorite apps and games because Apple has switched the chip technology.

In addition, most laptop buyers are not looking for the beefiest, most all-conquering device on the market. For the majority of buyers, having a laptop that feels fast in day-to-day tasks and lasts a long time is what they want. The A18 MacBook could be perfect for that. Gamers and creative pros
will want to steer clear, but theyre not the target audience anyway.

Still, weve got to remember that Apple is possibly entering uncharted territory here. It isnt used to selling such an affordable MacBook, but at $699 to $799, the disruption would be minimal. The likelihood is that the laptop would simply come with a cheaper chip, with no other changes
necessary.

The greatest challenge and biggest opportunity for Apple will be thinking
up a way to market the device. Its the same laptop you love, but with a worse chip wont cut it. But perhaps the MacBook, but cheaper will.

If Apple can sell a cut-price MacBook that still feels like a true Apple product and does not make bargain-basement compromises, Apple will have done
a great job walking an extremely fine tightrope. With the device expected to launch next year, I'll be waiting with bated breath to see what happens. You might also like Best MacBooks and Macs 2025: we've tested the top Apple desktops and laptops The iPhone 16 family brings A18 and A18 Pro chipsets, with a serious boost to processing power Love the MacBook Pro? A new model could be on the way, with some significant upgrades



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/apple-could-launch-a-cut-price-macbook-pow ered-by-an-iphone-chip-new-report-claims-heres-why-that-would-be-a-massive-hit


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