Apple looks set to launch a more affordable MacBook that swaps the usual M-series chip for the same A18 Pro CPU inside the iPhone 16 Pro. Analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo predicts this budget-friendly laptop will enter production by late 2025 or early 2026. Apple hopes to sell 5–7 million units in 2026, potentially boosting its MacBook shipments from 20 million to about 25 million.
This model is expected to have a familiar 13‑inch screen similar in size to the MacBook Air but with a lighter price tag. Benchmarks show the A18 Pro scores about 3,400 on Geekbench 6 single-core tests and 8,500 multi-core, putting it close to the performance of the M1 chip and not far behind the newer M4. That means everyday tasks like browsing the web, working on documents, or watching videos should run smoothly. Expect it to be in the $700–$900 range with a cedis equivalent of GHS 8,400 & GHS 10,800 well below the current $999 starting price for a MacBook Air.
To keep costs low, Apple will likely make a few compromises: 8 GB of RAM, a single USB‑C port, perhaps no Touch ID or fancy webcam, and lower storage like 256 GB. Still, Apple’s A-series chips are known for their efficiency, so battery life could be outstanding.
Apple might also introduce bold new colors silver, blue, pink, and yellow similar to the iPad lineup, adding a fun twist to its budget laptop. One exciting idea is that this could revive the compact 12‑inch MacBook, a lightweight favorite for travelers and students. This updated version, powered by the A18 Pro, could be ultra-thin, under two pounds, and cost as little as $499–$599 which is equivalent to GHS 5,988- GHS 7,188 ideal for people who value convenience and portability.
But, questions remain: Can Apple deliver enough real-world value without cutting too many features? And will it genuinely outshine Android, Windows, or Chromebook options at similar price points? Apple’s legacy of quality and the impressive performance-per-watt of the A18 Pro are strong selling points, but this laptop will need to hit the right combination of specs, price, and features to win over customers.
So far, the rumors paint an intriguing picture: a lower-cost, colorful, super-efficient MacBook that brings macOS to students, first-time buyers, and anyone on a budget without sacrificing the polished Mac experience
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