Apple is reportedly working on a budget-friendly MacBook powered by the same chip found in its iPhone 16 Pro.

Respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims the new MacBook will feature a 13-inch display and will be powered by the A18 Pro chip, rather than the usual M-series silicon.

This would help Apple deliver a more affordable price tag, with estimates placing it between US$699 and $799 (A$1,050–$1,200).

While the A18 may lag behind the latest M4 chip, it is still faster than many entry-level laptops and ideal for everyday tasks like web browsing, video calls and word processing.

Apple reportedly aims to ship 5–7 million units of the new MacBook in 2026 as part of a broader push to return to its pandemic-era Mac sales peak of 25 million units.

To keep costs down, the device may feature a plastic casing, fewer ports and no Touch ID.

The laptop is expected to enter mass production in late 2025 or early 2026 and could come in colours like blue, pink, yellow, and silver.

If priced right, this could be Apple’s most accessible laptop yet.