Apple's Upcoming Budget MacBook to Feature A18 PRO Chipset
Introduction to the New Budget MacBook
Recent insights from supply chain expert Ming Chi Kuo suggest that Apple is developing a budget-friendly version of the MacBook, which will utilize the A18 PRO chipset. This marks a significant milestone as it will be the first Mac to incorporate A-series chips traditionally found in iPhones.
Performance Expectations
The A18 chip, already in use with the A16 Pro and Pro Max models, features a 6-core CPU, a 6-core GPU, and a 16-core neural engine. Reports indicate that the A18 will deliver performance approximately 40% slower than the high-end Apple M4 chip, aligning its capabilities closer to the 2020 MacBook Air while providing enhanced graphics.
Design and Features
Kuo has mentioned potential color options for the new MacBook, including Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow. However, the A18's limitation to 8GB of RAM may result in a design featuring a single USB-C port without Thunderbolt capabilities.
Connectivity and RAM Limitations
The A18 PRO chip does not support Thunderbolt, meaning the new MacBook will come with standard USB-C ports, capable of data transfer speeds up to 10GB/s. This is a notable downgrade, especially since current MacBook Air and Pro models start with a minimum of 16GB of RAM.
Display and Production Timeline
While Apple is also considering a relaunch of the 12-inch MacBook, this new model is expected to feature a display size of approximately 13 inches, similar to the smaller MacBook Air. The design is anticipated to reflect the ultrathin and lightweight characteristics of the original 12-inch MacBook.
Mass production of this device is projected to commence in 2025 or early 2026, with shipments expected to begin shortly thereafter. Following Apple's transition to Apple Silicon from Intel processors, there have been ongoing speculations regarding the introduction of a simplified MacBook model. The ARM architecture allows for the integration of iPhone chips into Macs, alleviating previous power efficiency concerns associated with Intel.