Analyst Ming–Chi Kuo has suggested that Apple plans to launch an all–new MacBook next year, powered by an iPhone processor. Specifically, he expects it to have the A18 Pro chip which currently powers the iPhone 16 Pro line–up.
While there’s no word on pricing, the only way the report makes sense is if Apple is targeting an even lower price than the $999 starting–point of the current MacBook Air. Indeed, if you factor in discounted pricing on that, then it would have to be significantly cheaper. But there may be a more cynical possibility …
It’s not the rebirth of the 12–inch MacBook
Some are suggesting this could represent the rebirth of the 12–inch MacBook. It doesn’t sound like it, however. That was a premium–priced machine aimed at delivering the ultimate in style and portability, and actually attracted premium pricing. Apple is reviving that concept in the upcoming iPhone 17 Air.
Maybe Apple will take the same single–port approach of the 12–inch MacBook, however. This wouldn’t be quite as much of a deal as it was then: the battery–life of modern MacBooks mean we don’t typically need them plugged into power when used in the typical coffee–shop/meeting/flight scenarios, so having to share one USB–C port between charging when not in use and an external drive while being used might be acceptable.
Performance won’t be compromised
Apple Silicon changed everything. Even the M1 MacBook Air is an incredibly capable machine which makes a credible substitute for a MacBook Pro for a very wide range of tasks.
As we noted earlier, an MacBook powered by the A18 Pro would, on paper at least, match or beat this. The multi–core performance is essentially identical, and the single–core benchmark score actually sits between the M3 and M4.
Anyone satisfied with the performance of any Apple Silicon MacBook Air would likely be equally satisfied with this. We’re also expecting the same screen size of 13 inches.
So if performance won’t give anyone a reason to buy the Air over this new entry–level MacBook, what will?
... continue reading