Will Apple's first budget MacBook arrive this year?

Apple has already introduced several new devices this month—including the 14-inch MacBook Pro, the iPad Pro, and the Vision Pro, all powered by the new M5 chip. But while these models serve the higher price range, interest is growing in a completely different product: a more affordable MacBook. Analyst reports suggest that Apple is working on an affordable 13-inch laptop aimed at users who have previously opted for Chromebooks or inexpensive Windows devices. The question is whether this new model will actually be announced before the end of the year.

For years, Apple has stood for high-quality hardware, elegant design, and powerful performance – but usually at a hefty price. Anyone wanting to buy a MacBook currently has to invest at least around €1,099. But the laptop market has changed. Devices in the lower price segment, especially Chromebooks, are enjoying great popularity. This is precisely where Apple could come in. Reports from analysts and industry insiders point to a new MacBook that will be significantly cheaper than previous models and could use an unusual chip.

An affordable MacBook with an iPhone chip

In June, renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple is working on a new 13-inch MacBook that will be cheaper and directly compete with Chromebooks. To reduce production costs, Apple plans to use the A18 Pro chip instead of an M-series processor—the same chip used in the iPhone 16 Pro.

This would be a clear departure from the previous strategy, as all MacBooks have so far used M-series chips. Technically, however, the move makes sense: The A18 Pro is around 40 percent slower than the M4, but offers multi-core CPU performance roughly equivalent to the M1 chip in the 2020 MacBook Air. It even performs slightly better in graphics performance. This would ensure the new MacBook offers solid everyday performance despite the cheaper chip.

Price and positioning

DigiTimes reported in August that the new MacBook will cost between $599 and $699. By comparison, the current 13-inch MacBook Air costs at least $999 in the US (in Germany, the starting price is €1,099). However, Apple continues to sell the 2020 M1 MacBook Air through retailers like Walmart, where the price is around $649. It's therefore likely that the new model is intended as a successor or replacement for this entry-level model. Apple could thus offer a truly affordable notebook for the first time in a long time. The focus would clearly be on ease of use, good battery life, and a compact design, not on maximum computing power.

Technical details and possible restrictions

One thing that stands out when using the A18 Pro is that the chip doesn't support Thunderbolt. Instead, Apple is likely opting for standard USB-C ports. However, this wouldn't be a disadvantage for the majority of users who don't connect external high-performance devices like 8K monitors or large storage solutions.

Apple is also likely to cut back on memory. The A18 Pro only supports 8 GB of RAM, while the current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models start at 16 GB. However, this should be sufficient for everyday applications like browsing, word processing, or streaming.

Visually, Kuo says the device will have an ultra-thin, lightweight design. Apple is apparently planning several color variants, including silver, blue, pink, and yellow. This would make the new MacBook more appealing to a younger audience and differentiate it more clearly from previous models.

Production and release schedule

Ming-Chi Kuo expects mass production to begin towards the end of the fourth quarter of 2025 or the beginning of 2026. DigiTimes comes to a similar conclusion and also predicts final assembly in the last quarter of 2025. The market launch could therefore take place in late 2025 or early 2026.

However, the schedule leaves room for speculation. Apple could announce the new MacBook before production begins to capitalize on the holiday season. The company has often unveiled new products in October or November in the past. A launch before the end of the year is therefore quite possible—especially if Apple wants to position the device as an entry-level MacBook.

Apple opens the door to a new price segment

An affordable MacBook would be a strategic move for Apple. With a price tag between $599 and $699, an efficient A18 Pro chip, and a modern, colorful design, the company could appeal to new customer segments. The decision to use an iPhone processor demonstrates that Apple is willing to compromise on performance to reach a wider audience. It's still unclear whether the budget MacBook will actually be announced before the end of the year. But the evidence suggests that Apple is seriously considering this move. If the device arrives, it could make entry into the Mac world significantly more affordable—and expand Apple's offerings with a long-overdue option. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Kaspars Grinvalds)