Key Takeaways
1. Apple is developing a budget-friendly MacBook model expected to start mass production in late 2025 or early 2026.
2. The new MacBook may feature a smaller, approximately 13-inch display, possibly reviving the 12-inch MacBook Air.
3. It is expected to use an A18 Pro chip instead of the M series, marking the first use of mobile silicon in a MacBook.
4. The choice of chip aims to lower costs but may affect performance; however, Apple could modify the A18 Pro for better performance.
5. If priced right, the new 12-inch MacBook Air could disrupt the mid-range laptop market and compete with Qualcomm’s offerings.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shared some intriguing updates regarding a new MacBook model. As he suggested over two years ago, Apple is said to be developing a more budget-friendly MacBook version, together with a variety of new smart glasses. It’s interesting to see how the company is planning to lower its expenses. The less expensive MacBook Air is expected to begin mass production around late 2025 or early 2026.
Screen Specifications
For the display, it’s expected to feature an ‘approximately’ 13-inch panel. Kuo’s choice of the word ‘approximately’ hints that it may not utilize the same 13.6-inch screen currently found on the 13-inch MacBook Air. This subtly suggests that a 12-inch MacBook Air could make a comeback, a model that has been out of circulation for quite some time.
Chip Details
Rather than adopting an Apple M series chip, the budget-friendly MacBook Pro is believed to come equipped with an A18 Pro, making it Apple’s first laptop to use mobile silicon. While this might help keep costs down, it could also negatively impact performance. Nevertheless, Apple might adjust a standard A18 Pro with a higher power budget to squeeze out additional performance. However, issues with memory and storage could arise, although Apple has the capability to modify the A18 Pro to support higher RAM options.
Market Impact
The reason Apple didn’t opt for last-gen M series chips for the rumored 12-inch MacBook Pro is easy to guess. If it did, it could potentially undermine the older 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models. Although Apple doesn’t officially offer those, they can still be found on various e-commerce sites, often at reduced prices.
If priced appropriately, the 12-inch MacBook Air has the potential to disrupt the mid-range laptop market and compete against Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus laptops, especially when paired with an overclocked A18 Pro. This development also signals the return of compact, 12-inch laptops that have nearly vanished from the current market.
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