Apple is preparing an "affordable" MacBook - 12.9-inch, with A18 Pro and a price of $599

Apple is planning to release a more affordable 12.9-inch laptop, smaller than the current MacBook Air (13.6"). According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the model will feature the A18 Pro chip, the same as the iPhone 16 Pro, and will be the first Mac to use the iPhone chip.

Mass production of components is expected to start in the third quarter of 2025, and the assembly of finished devices will be completed by the end of the year, which gives a chance for an announcement in late 2025 or early 2026. DigiTimes predicts a price in the range of $599-$699, which is significantly cheaper than the current MacBook Air for $999.

Apple probably wants to increase the share of macOS and attract more new users. Sales of 5-7 million units per year are expected, which could improve overall MacBook sales by 30-40%.

The A18 Pro chip does not support Thunderbolt, so the device will most likely have regular USB-C ports, without support for external high-throughput displays. The body is likely to be ultra-thin and lightweight, with Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow colour options.

Apple has mixed horses and humans - the company produces tablets with the "laptop" M4 and will produce a laptop with the "phone" A18 Pro.