Apple is reportedly developing a more budget-friendly MacBook, aimed at reviving its MacBook sales to pre-pandemic levels. According to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the upcoming device will feature a 13-inch display—similar in size to current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models—and will be powered by the A18 Pro chip, the same processor used in the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Kuo revealed the details in a post on X (formerly Twitter), noting that the A18 Pro will enable the laptop to support Apple Intelligence features, the company’s AI-driven software suite. “It supports the Apple Intelligence suite of artificial intelligence (AI) features, which indicates Apple’s upcoming laptop may also too,” the report notes.
The affordable MacBook is expected to enter mass production either in Q4 2025 or Q1 2026. It might launch in various colors, including blue, pink, silver, and yellow.
The move comes as Apple aims to boost overall MacBook shipments. Kuo estimates that Apple will ship 20 million MacBook units in 2025 and increase that number to 25 million in 2026. Of those, the affordable MacBook could contribute between 5 to 7 million units.
“The Cupertino-based tech giant aims to increase its total MacBook shipments and bring them to the pre-Covid-19 period,” Kuo said. This strategic shift could help Apple regain market momentum amid global economic pressures and growing competition in the laptop space.
One of the major beneficiaries of this new model is anticipated to be China-based Everwin Precision. The company, which currently supplies casings for MacBook Pro, is expected to begin doing the same for MacBook Air and the upcoming affordable model. It will also act as the reference design supplier during the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase.
Kuo predicts strong financial growth for Everwin Precision as a result, stating the company could see a revenue increase of up to 20% year-over-year and a profit rise of up to 40% in 2026.
