Apple is Reportedly Working on a Cheaper Mac Laptop with an iPhone Chip
Apple is reportedly working on a cheaper Mac laptop with an iPhone chip that could change the game for budget-friendly computing. Expected to launch in early 2026, the new MacBook will reportedly feature an A-series iPhone chip and a smaller LCD display, offering a balance between performance and affordability. Many users are asking: Can Apple deliver a Mac experience at an iPad price? Bloomberg’s report suggests the laptop could cost “well under $1,000,” positioning it as a strong competitor in the entry-level laptop market.
Why is Apple Making a Cheaper Mac Laptop?
Apple’s move to create a more affordable Mac laptop is aimed at students, casual users, and businesses that need lightweight, efficient machines without the premium cost. By using an iPhone chip—specifically rumored to be the A18 Pro—Apple can lower production costs while maintaining solid performance. The company’s internal tests show that this chip can outperform the earlier M1 Mac processors, making it a viable choice for this new category of Mac.
What Features Will the New Mac Laptop Offer?
The cheaper Mac laptop is expected to feature a screen slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air and an LCD panel instead of OLED, helping keep costs low. It will likely come in vibrant colors such as silver, blue, pink, and yellow—similar to the iPhone lineup. Apple reportedly plans an “entirely new design” for this model, marking a departure from its typical MacBook aesthetic. The design emphasis will focus on portability, battery life, and value for everyday users.
How Will an iPhone Chip Impact Mac Performance?
The integration of an iPhone chip into a Mac laptop might sound unconventional, but Apple’s silicon innovation makes it possible. The A18 Pro chip, which powers the iPhone 16 Pro, has proven faster and more power-efficient than some older Mac chips. This means the upcoming laptop could deliver impressive performance for everyday tasks—like browsing, streaming, and productivity apps—while remaining energy-efficient and cool-running.
When Will the Cheaper Mac Laptop Be Released?
According to Bloomberg, Apple plans to release the cheaper Mac laptop in the first half of 2026. Alongside this launch, Apple is also preparing a MacBook Air with the latest M5 chip and upgraded MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max processors. This indicates Apple’s broader strategy to expand its Mac lineup for all types of consumers—from power users to budget-conscious buyers.
Apple’s reported plan to introduce a cheaper Mac laptop powered by an iPhone chip could redefine what consumers expect from entry-level laptops. If successful, it would open the Mac ecosystem to millions of new users seeking performance, design, and affordability—all in one package.
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