Apple is reportedly developing a MacBook powered by the A18 Pro processor, with supply chain analysts and code discoveries pointing to a device coded as “Mac17,1.” This would mark the first time Apple uses an iPhone-class A-series chip in a Mac laptop, diverging from the company’s tradition of M-series silicon for MacBooks and potentially lowering production costs while maintaining solid performance for everyday tasks.
Industry sources, including seasoned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, indicate this A18 Pro MacBook is expected to enter mass production in late 2025 or early 2026, with availability likely in spring 2026. The laptop is widely described as a 13-inch model, slightly smaller than the standard MacBook Air, and could be offered in new color options such as silver, blue, pink and yellow.
Compared with Apple’s current M-series Macs, the A18 Pro chip delivers CPU and GPU performance roughly comparable to the original M1, making the notebook capable of web browsing, productivity work, streaming and light creative tasks without the premium costs associated with M-series machines.
Design Profile and Market Positioning
Rumored specifications for this entry-level MacBook point to an ultra-thin, lightweight design with a standard LCD display and USB-C ports without Thunderbolt support, reflecting its budget focus. While specs like higher RAM and multiple external display support are typical of M-series Macs, the A18 Pro model may stick to basics — a trade-off that could help position it competitively against low-cost laptops and Chromebooks.
Market analysis suggests Apple’s pricing goal for this MacBook may be between $699 and $899 in the U.S., placing it well below the current MacBook Air’s starting price and offering a fresh entry point into Apple’s laptop ecosystem that could attract students, everyday users and price-conscious buyers.
Timing and Roadmap Signals
Multiple reports reinforce the timing, with TrendForce noting a possible spring 2026 launch for the A18 Pro MacBook and Bloomberg sources corroborating early production in the coming months. Apple’s broader 2026 laptop refresh also includes updates to MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models with newer M-series chips, meaning the company’s offerings across performance tiers are evolving together next year.
Although Apple has not yet officially announced this model, the convergence of credible leak sources, code discoveries and industry analyst forecasts points to a tangible possibility that Apple will debut an A18 Pro MacBook in 2026, expanding the company’s laptop strategy into more budget-oriented segments.
