Rumor: entry-level MacBook in front of a big comeback

Apple is said to have plans to launch a cheaper MacBook. Curiously, this device with a 13-inch display is to be equipped with an iPhone processor, reports the analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from Taiwan, which has contacts with Apple’s supply industry in China. According to it, this device could go into mass production at the end of this year or early 2026.

There was last in 2017. The 12-inch device with Intel processor, which was brought out in 2015 with a design and low weight at that time, the 12-inch device with Intel processor, not least because of the reduction to a single USB-C connection, polarized. When it was stopped, Apple concentrated on the MacBook Air as an entry -level model.

For the first time an A-processor in the Mac

Should Apple actually install an A18 Pro as a chip into the new MacBook, as Kuo claims, it would be an unusual step. The A18 Pro is installed by Apple in the iPhone 16 Pro. So far, Apple has always used an M chip in series models since the Apple Silicon was introduced. However, Apple could take the iPad as a model here. Both M and A-chips have been used there for years, such as the current iPad mini with A17 Pro, while the current iPad Pro uses the M4. At that time, an A-processor was also in the Developer Transition Kit, with which Apple prepared the change from Intel to his own silicone.

A comeback from the MacBook was already expected to introduce Apple Silicon almost five years ago. The ultramobile device would particularly benefit from the energy efficiency of Apple’s own chips. In addition, the MacBook made a change of processor in 2006, at the time from the Power PC to the Intel platform. Nevertheless, Apple has concentrated on the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro in recent years.

Growth chance for Mac division

According to KUO, the impetus for reintroduction gives the US company to build on previous sales figures. Up to 25 million devices were sold a year during the Covid 19 pandemic. However, 20 million is expected for this year. A cheaper MacBook has the potential that Apple could sell 5 to 7 million pieces per year. Apple is planning to offer the device in different housing colors: in silver, blue, pink and yellow.

Kuo also published information on the alleged Roadmap of Apple’s Vision Pro in parallel to the MacBook message.