Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch a more affordable version of its MacBook Air, powered not by its signature M-series chips, but by the same processor used in iPhones. This information comes from a post on X (formerly Twitter) by renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities, who has a solid track record when it comes to Apple leaks.

According to Kuo, this new entry-level MacBook Air will feature a 13-inch display and is expected to enter mass production in late 2025 or early 2026. The laptop will be powered by Apple’s upcoming A18 Pro chip — the same processor that will run the iPhone 16 Pro. This is a notable departure from Apple’s current MacBook strategy, which revolves around its in-house M-series processors specifically designed for Mac devices.

While the A18 Pro is less powerful than the latest M-series chips, it reportedly offers performance on par with the 2020 M1 chip. This would make it a capable machine for casual users, students, and anyone looking to handle everyday computing tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and document editing without breaking the bank.

New Colors and a Lower Price Point

In addition to the hardware shift, Kuo’s report suggests Apple might introduce more playful color options for this budget MacBook Air, including pink and yellow, alongside the classic silver finish. The introduction of brighter colors could be part of Apple’s strategy to target younger consumers and casual laptop users.

With Apple planning to produce between 5-7 million units in 2026, it’s clear the company sees this as a potential volume driver to help it compete in the lower-end laptop market—a segment currently dominated by Windows PC manufacturers like Dell, HP, and Lenovo.

Expanding MacOS Accessibility

Currently, Apple’s MacBook Air starts at $999 — a price point that’s out of reach for many budget-conscious consumers. Introducing a lower-cost MacBook Air could allow Apple to penetrate a more price-sensitive segment and expand the reach of its MacOS ecosystem.

This could have significant market implications. According to Consumer Intelligence Research Partners, the MacBook Air made up 33% of Apple’s Mac shipments in 2024, underscoring the model’s popularity. However, Apple's overall global market share sits at 9.2%, significantly behind competitors in the PC market.

A cheaper MacBook Air could help close that gap, particularly as Apple looks to offer AI-powered features to a broader audience. The A18 Pro chip will reportedly support Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI initiative that powers on-device machine learning tasks and generative AI features. By integrating AI capabilities into a more affordable laptop, Apple may be aiming to fast-track AI adoption across its user base.

What’s Next?

Apple has yet to officially confirm the development of this budget MacBook Air, and a company spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

If the rumors hold true, this could mark a significant shift in Apple’s Mac strategy—potentially bringing MacOS to millions of new users and directly challenging Windows laptops in the budget category.

Stay tuned for more updates as Apple’s laptop lineup continues to evolve.