Apple may be cooking up its most game-changing device yet: a MacBook powered by an iPhone chip. That’s right – a laptop that ditches the premium M-series processors for the A18 Pro chip, typically used in iPhones. And honestly? This could be brilliant.
Remember when MacBooks were overpriced status symbols with mediocre specs? Times have changed. Ever since Apple ditched Intel and introduced its own silicon, MacBooks have soared in performance, efficiency, and battery life.
The MacBook Air, in particular, has become a silent powerhouse – literally – with no fans, long battery life, and sleek design.
But there’s always been a catch: price. Even the Air can cost significantly more than decent mid-range Windows laptops. Apple’s build quality and chip efficiency come at a premium, and for many, it’s just too steep.
That’s where the rumored A18 Pro MacBook comes in. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is working on a 13-inch model with the A18 Pro chip – the same chip that will power the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro. It’ll likely come in fun colors like silver, pink, yellow, and blue, possibly with a cheaper plastic body. This could be Apple’s attempt at a “budget MacBook,” aimed at students and casual users who want the Apple experience without the $1,000+ price tag.
Now, skeptics may scoff: how can a phone chip run a full laptop OS? The answer: surprisingly well. The A18 Pro is expected to perform on par with, or better than, the original M1 chip in many areas – especially graphics. And considering how smooth and power-efficient the M1 MacBooks are, it’s not a stretch to imagine the A18 Pro holding its own in a lightweight laptop.
What this means is simple: we might finally get an affordable MacBook that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Something for students, creatives on a budget, or folks who just want something that pairs effortlessly with their iPhone and Apple Watch. Windows laptops have long dominated the low-cost segment, but that could change fast if Apple plays its cards right.
Is it for gaming? No. But neither are budget Windows laptops. For everything else – writing, browsing, calls, light photo editing, media, and study – this could be the laptop to beat. Apple may have just figured out how to take over a whole new market tier.