How a MacBook with an iPhone chip can redefine Apple’s budget line

Apple is reportedly building a more affordable, A18 Pro-powered MacBook slated to launch as early as this fall. Given that the entry-level MacBook Air M4 starts at a hefty $999, there’s still scope for a lower-end model that costs less. It would cater to budget-conscious customers whose workflows require more than just an iPad.

Apple’s budget product strategy, however, has been hit or miss. The Apple Watch SE, for instance, is arguably the most powerful “budget” smartwatch, but it isn’t exactly as affordable as its rivals. Likewise, the iPhone 16e package is awkwardly positioned right below the flagship line, offering neither an enticing price nor the latest hardware perks. For the A18 Pro MacBook to become a bestseller, Apple must learn from its recent past by building a machine that strikes the right balance between “e” and “SE.”

Cheaper than Air

The whole point of powering a Mac using an iPhone chip is to cut costs. Given that the latest MacBook Air models often see generous discounts on Amazon and other retailers, the A18 Pro MacBook needs to be significantly cheaper than the cheapest Air. Otherwise, it’ll be hard to justify buying a lower-end machine when higher-end variants are available for a comparable price.

Apple’s current entry-level MacBook Air sells for $999 with an M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, while Apple also continues to sell the M1 MacBook Air with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $649 through Walmart. Apple clearly recognizes the need to have a MacBook that’s not just under $1,000, but significantly cheaper than the cheapest Air. A $699 A18 Pro-powered Mac would be an instant hit, but an $849 one might not.

The full macOS experience

An affordable A18 Pro MacBook would cater to budget customers who need a real computer. As such, developing a watered-down version of macOS for this machine would defeat its purpose. Unlike iPads, the A18 Pro MacBook will need to support existing desktop apps, including ones unavailable in the Mac App Store. Restricting users to the Mac App Store’s limited library would render the machine useless.

Of course, some processor-intensive tasks, such as building apps or editing videos, won’t be as speedy compared to M-series Macs, but that shouldn’t mean it can’t run them. Apple will likely limit some macOS features, such as Thunderbolt 4 and multiple display support, and a performance gap, especially when executing intensive tasks, is expected on cheaper computers. However, Apple needs to treat this A18 Pro MacBook like a Mac, not an iPad.

Ditch the plastic

Back in the day, the iPhone 5c flopped primarily due to its plastic shell. Apple’s marketing team tried to spin the cheap material as the new cool thing—except that customers didn’t buy it when the glass-and-aluminum iPhone 5s was right there. While plenty of manufacturers sell plastic PCs and phones, Apple is expected to maintain its devices’ premium feel as a luxury brand, even with its SE devices.

So, instead of opting for a plastic shell, the A18 Pro model should feature the classic aluminum chassis offered by the M1 MacBook Air and its predecessors. Maybe this includes thicker display bezels, an inferior webcam, USB-C instead of MagSafe for charging, etc. Apple could even get away with excluding the headphone jack and second USB-C port as a cost-cutting measure. Like the retired iPhone SE, an A18 Pro MacBook, even with a retro design, would maintain its solid build.

Make it small

The A18 Pro MacBook is rumored to feature a 13-inch display, similar to that of the Air and the largest iPads. A resource optimization move would be shrinking its size further. By opting for a 12-inch design instead, the display and aluminum body would cost Apple less.

More importantly, it would cater to minimalists reminiscing about the discontinued 12-inch MacBook. That’s not to mention minimizing the overlap between the entry-level A18 Pro edition and higher-end Air models.

Bring on the colors

Since the A18 Pro MacBook isn’t going to have high-end specs, it’s the perfect opportunity for Apple to give its users more vibrant finishes. Apple enthusiasts know the general color formula by now; the highest-end, Pro products generally get the dullest, most “serious” colorways. Meanwhile, mid-range devices typically feature more hues, albeit still muted in some instances, such as the iPad Air and MacBooks. Conversely, certain entry-level products, like the cheapest iPad, offer fun finishes that pop.

According to rumors, the new MacBook will reportedly come in silver, blue, pink, and yellow, which exactly match the A16 iPad’s bright color palette. Here’s hoping Apple sticks with those over the washed-out iPad Air to give the new Mac a real personality of its own.

A breath of fresh Air

Ever since the Mac line transitioned from Intel processors to Apple silicon, the MacBook Air has become a mighty option for casual users. While Pro MacBooks continue to offer exceptional performance, the Air variant is no longer limited to light workflows. The A18 Pro MacBook could act as an Airier version of the MacBook Air in the M-powered era—a MacBook Helium, if you will.

To truly stand out, the A18 Pro edition should be everything the MacBook Air isn’t: super cheap, ultra-portable, underpowered, and very colorful. Buyers shouldn’t need to compare specs—the A18 Pro MacBook should be a clear option for people who want a Mac without paying for a Mac. By doing so, students and junior professionals can start their computing journey on an A18 Pro MacBook and transition to an Air or Pro model when the need arises down the line.