Your MacBook dreams just got more realistic. Apple’s internal code reveals the company is developing its first laptop powered by an iPhone chip—the A18 Pro—marking a dramatic shift from the premium M-series processors that have defined Mac computing since 2020.
The device, internally labeled “Mac17,1,” surfaced in macOS 15 code during summer 2024 and represents Apple’s boldest attempt yet to democratize Mac access. Think of it as the iPhone SE of laptops: serious performance without the premium price tag that’s kept many students and casual users locked out of the Mac ecosystem.
Performance That Makes Sense
The A18 Pro delivers benchmarks around 3,400 single-core and 8,600 multi-core in Geekbench 6—essentially matching the original M1 MacBook Air that revolutionized laptop efficiency. Your web browsing, document editing, and video streaming will feel smooth, though video editors and developers might notice limitations during intensive workflows.
This isn’t about competing with the MacBook Pro. It’s about giving you a legitimate Mac experience without requiring a second mortgage.
The Design Details You’ll Use
Apple plans a 13-inch form factor with color options that mirror recent iPhones: silver, blue, pink, and yellow. The 3nm chip architecture enables fanless design, meaning silent operation during those late-night study sessions or coffee shop work marathons.
Mass production begins late 2025, targeting a first-half 2026 launch. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo projects 5-7 million units for 2026, volume numbers that suggest Apple is serious about aggressive pricing.
What This Really Means
You’re looking at Apple’s answer to Chromebooks and budget Windows laptops. The A18 Pro MacBook won’t replace your M4 MacBook Pro, but it might finally make “affordable Mac” something other than an oxymoron.
For students, casual users, and anyone who’s been priced out of Mac computing, this could be the entry point you’ve been waiting for.
