In June, we learned that Apple is set to unveil a new entry-level MacBook, which will be powered by the innovative A18 Pro chip instead of the traditional M-series processors. This marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time Apple offers a MacBook for under $999. Recent reports from the supply chain indicate that the initial stage of production is slated to commence next month, with full-scale manufacturing potentially ramping up by the end of the year.
Traditionally, the MacBook Air has held the title of the most affordable model in Apple's lineup, starting at $999. However, renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed in June that this is about to change. He announced on X that Apple is gearing up to produce a new MacBook model equipped with the A18 Pro chip, diverging from the M-series processors. This chip is also utilized in the iPhone 16 Pro series, showcasing its robust capabilities.
While Kuo did not specify the pricing, speculation suggests that the new MacBook could debut at a starting price of $699, and potentially drop to $599 for educational pricing. At the time, we noted that the A18 Pro chip would be sufficiently powerful for the everyday tasks commonly performed by many MacBook Air users, making this report quite credible.
The M1 MacBook Air has proven to be an incredibly capable machine, often serving as a viable alternative to the MacBook Pro for a wide array of tasks. Comparatively, a new MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip is expected to match or even surpass this performance on paper. The multi-core performance is projected to be nearly identical, while the single-core benchmark score is anticipated to range between the M3 and M4 processors.
A recent report from DigiTimes highlights that production of select components for the upcoming MacBook is expected to kick off next month, paving the way for full manufacturing by the end of the year. Apple appears poised to disrupt the notebook market with this all-new ultra-low-cost MacBook, according to sources within the supply chain. Some components are projected to enter mass production by the close of the third quarter in 2025, which could lead to full system assembly and a potential launch in early 2026.
It seems likely that the introduction of this new machine will significantly impact MacBook Air sales. As suggested by my colleague Ryan Christoffel, Apple may employ various casing materials or color options to set the new model apart. This strategy could mirror Apple's approach with the iPad models, offering machines across different price points to cater to diverse user needs.
Given its anticipated features and price point, the new MacBook is poised to become my go-to recommendation for friends seeking a Mac for everyday tasks like writing, emailing, and web browsing.
As Apple prepares for this launch, users can also expect a range of highlighted accessories that will complement the new MacBook, enhancing the overall user experience. Stay tuned for more updates as Apple continues to innovate and expand its product offerings in the MacBook lineup.
