Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the budget segment soon. According to reports, the company is working on a low-cost MacBook that will be equipped with the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chipset. Its starting price could be around 52,000 rupees, making it Apple's cheapest MacBook to date.
Apple Budget MacBook: Tech giant Apple is now set to enter the affordable laptop market. According to media reports, the company is developing a new low-cost MacBook that will feature the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro. This entry-level device could start at $599 (approximately 52,000 rupees). The report indicates that its trial production will begin in September 2025, with a launch possible by the end of the year or early 2026. Experts believe this move could bring a significant change to Apple's mid-range laptop segment.
Preparing to Enter the Affordable Segment
Apple is now targeting users who wish to purchase a MacBook on a limited budget. According to media reports, the company is developing a low-cost MacBook based on the iPhone's A-series chipset. Until now, Apple has used M-series processors in all its MacBook models, but this change could lead to a significant price reduction. This move could prove to be the company's first major entry into the mid-range laptop market.
First Budget MacBook with A18 Pro Chip
A DigiTimes report claims that this entry-level MacBook will be equipped with the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip. In terms of performance, this chip is said to be faster than the M1 processor. According to reports, the new MacBook's starting price could be $599 (approximately 52,000 rupees) or $699 (approximately 61,000 rupees). This will be Apple's cheapest MacBook to date. For comparison, the current M4 MacBook Air is priced at around 99,990 rupees in India.
Changes also in Design and Color Options
The new budget MacBook will also differ in terms of design. According to reports, it will feature a compact 12.9-inch display, which will be slightly smaller than the existing 13.6-inch MacBook Air. This will make it even lighter and more portable. Apple may launch it in attractive colors such as blue, pink, silver, and yellow, to appeal to younger users as well.
A18 Pro vs. M1 Chip
At first glance, using an iPhone chip might seem like a downgrade, but benchmark tests suggest otherwise. According to Geekbench reports:
- In single-core tests, the M1 scored 2,368, while the A18 Pro achieved 3,409 points, indicating approximately 43% faster performance.
- In multi-core tests, the performance of both was almost identical (M1 – 8,576, A18 Pro – 8,482).
Apple is working on further optimizing this chip for the MacBook, aiming for longer battery life and smoother performance.
Launch Timeline and Market Strategy
According to reports, trial production of this new MacBook is expected to begin in September 2025. This will be followed by mass production. The potential launch date is considered to be late 2025 or early 2026.
Experts believe that this model could be a game-changer for buyers who have been purchasing older M1 MacBooks at a discount until now. The new model will offer them the latest technology, better battery life, and an affordable price.
