Apple might be gearing up to drop a brand-new MacBook that finally dips below the thousand-dollar mark. If the leaks are true, a $599 MacBook could land as early as the end of 2025, and it might be packing more iPhone DNA than ever.
Rumors point to A18 Pro power
According to DigiTimes, Apple is prepping a MacBook powered by the same A18 Pro chip used in the iPhone 16 Pro. That would mark the first time a Mac ever ships with an iPhone chip inside.
This new chip has a 6-core CPU, a 6-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. While it’s no match for the M4 chip, it holds its own next to the older M1, the same chip that powered the entry-level MacBook Air Apple sold for years.
In raw numbers, the A18 Pro runs about 40 percent slower than the M4. But it may be enough for everyday users who want a Mac without the premium price tag.
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the affordable MacBook model will shake up the tech world. Its price will start at $599.
A colorful MacBook undercuts the Air
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects the laptop to feature a display just under 13 inches. He also teased several bright colors, including blue, yellow, pink, and silver, echoing the playful palette of the iMac.
At $599 to $699, the new MacBook would fall well below the $999 MacBook Air. And it might revive the spirit of Apple’s discontinued 12-inch MacBook, known for its minimal ports and ultra-light frame.
What the cheaper MacBook might lose
This budget MacBook is shaping up to have some key trade-offs. The A18 Pro chip maxes out at 8GB of RAM in the iPhone 16 Pro, while even the cheapest current MacBooks start at 16GB. That could make it a tough sell for power users.
And don’t expect Thunderbolt ports. While the device will likely include USB-C, speeds could top out at 10 gigabits per second. It may also support only one external monitor unless you use a DisplayLink adapter.
Still, for casual users, students, or anyone who just wants a lightweight Mac for browsing, streaming, or light work, the compromises might be worth it.
All the rumored features at a glance
Here is what leaks and reports have suggested so far:
- Around 12.9-inch display
- A18 Pro chip from iPhone 16 Pro
- 8GB RAM expected
- Bright color options including pink and yellow
- USB-C ports with no Thunderbolt
- Likely support for one external display
- Ultra-thin design
- Price between $599 and $699
- Launch window late 2025 to early 2026
Apple’s $599 MacBook might shake the lineup
If the pricing holds, this MacBook could cause some waves. It would undercut the MacBook Air by hundreds of dollars, even when discounted. And by shifting to the A18 Pro chip, Apple may be signaling a move toward a leaner, more iPhone-like future for entry-level Macs.
October is typically Mac season at Apple. If this machine is real, the countdown might already be ticking.
Cheap Macs change the mood fast.
