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Production could start before year end
Apple appears to be moving closer to shipping a lower-cost MacBook powered by an A-series iPhone chip. Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested mass production may begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, which points to a possible launch late this year or in early 2026. If accurate, this would be Apple’s most affordable MacBook to date, with a rumored starting price of $599.
What we know about the rumored model
Early reports — first surfacing in June — describe a compact 13-inch laptop that may use A-series silicon similar to the chips found in iPhone models. The most frequently mentioned candidate is the A18 Pro, the same processor used in the iPhone 16 Pro family. Design leaks also hint Apple could introduce brighter color options (pink, blue and yellow) alongside a classic silver finish, signaling a more playful take on the MacBook lineup.
Chip and memory choices: A18 Pro vs A19 Pro
Details remain tentative. The A18 Pro has been linked to an 8GB RAM configuration in prior rumors, while the newer A19 Pro reportedly supports 12GB of memory. That presents two realistic launch scenarios:
- A first-generation $599 MacBook using the A18 Pro with 8GB RAM, mirroring Apple’s lowest-cost M1 MacBook configuration currently available through some retailers.
- A version that starts with the A19 Pro and 12GB RAM to align with Apple’s recent trend of shipping Macs with higher baseline memory (many current Mac models start at 16GB).
Both approaches have merit: a lower-RAM A18 Pro model keeps costs down and helps Apple compete in the entry-level laptop market, while an A19 Pro with more RAM would better match users who need longer-term performance and multitasking headroom.
Who this MacBook would appeal to
At a $599 price point, Apple could attract price-sensitive buyers who value battery life, app ecosystem integration and build quality. Likely target groups include:
- Students and educators needing a lightweight laptop for web, documents and media
- Casual users who prioritize battery and portability over heavy creative workflows
- Buyers considering Chromebooks or entry-level Windows laptops but preferring macOS continuity
Even if the first model opts for an A18 Pro and 8GB RAM, that configuration would still provide performance comparable to earlier M1-era machines for everyday tasks.
Market impact and strategy
A $599 MacBook would broaden Apple’s reach into budget-conscious segments, potentially challenging Chromebooks and low-cost Windows notebooks. Apple may also use a staged approach: introduce a lower-cost model first, then follow up with an upgraded second-generation laptop featuring A19 Pro silicon and increased RAM to encourage trade-ups.
Whether Apple chooses A18 Pro or A19 Pro, the key variable is price. Delivering solid performance, long battery life and a compelling design at $599 could make this MacBook a commercial success—especially among students and mainstream consumers looking for a reliable everyday laptop.
Source: phonearena
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