According to an in-depth report from Bloomberg, Apple is currently in the midst of developing a new, budget-friendly Mac laptop that will represent a notable expansion of its computer lineup. Unlike the company’s previous Mac models, which have traditionally been powered by its proprietary M-series chips derived from desktop-caliber architecture, this upcoming machine will instead rely on a chip also used in the iPhone — a bold and intriguing strategic shift. This forthcoming laptop is expected to be introduced during the first half of 2026, a timeline that positions it within Apple’s broader long-term initiative to diversify its product range and appeal to a wider spectrum of consumers.
Bloomberg’s report elaborates that this new Mac will incorporate a more affordable LCD panel described as “lower-end,” thereby distinguishing it from the higher-quality display technologies featured in Apple’s premium MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lines. Its screen, slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch display currently found on the MacBook Air, suggests that Apple is consciously optimizing for portability and cost efficiency. In addition to its more compact size, the new model’s retail price is expected to come in well below $1,000 — a price point that marks a significant departure from the company’s traditionally premium pricing strategy. Sources indicate that the laptop’s cost could align closely with the combined expense of an entry-level iPad paired with a Magic Keyboard Folio, which totals approximately $600, thereby making this Mac the most accessible full-fledged laptop that Apple has ever produced.
Historically, Mac laptops equipped with Apple Silicon have employed chips from the M1, M2, and M3 families — all custom-designed for macOS performance. However, early internal testing has reportedly demonstrated that an advanced iPhone chip is capable of outperforming Apple’s own M1 processor, which only a few years ago served as the foundation for its laptop lineup. If these results are consistent, the decision to utilize the iPhone chip could yield a cost-effective yet surprisingly powerful computing experience for users who do not require the higher performance capabilities of professional-grade hardware.
The forthcoming laptop is not simply a reengineered version of previous models; rather, Bloomberg notes that Apple is crafting an entirely new design from the ground up. This approach suggests a fresh visual language distinct from the aesthetic continuity maintained across existing MacBook lines. The target market for this device is equally noteworthy: Apple intends to focus on more casual consumers, students, and businesses — groups that prioritize affordability, reliability, and portability over raw processing power. For these audiences, Apple’s new Mac could serve as an appealing bridge between entry-level tablets and fully fledged professional laptops.
Supporting this line of reporting, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo earlier this year issued a similar projection, revealing that Apple has been developing a lower-cost MacBook based on an A-series processor. Kuo specified that this variant would use the same A18 Pro chip integrated into the iPhone 16 Pro models. He also suggested that the machine will likely be offered in several colors — including silver, blue, pink, and yellow — hinting that Apple could leverage vibrant finishes as a way to differentiate this product range and enhance its consumer appeal, particularly among younger users and educational buyers.
Concurrently, Apple appears to be making significant progress on the next iterations of its M-series products. Bloomberg reports that the company has already completed development of a new MacBook Air powered by the recently unveiled M5 chip, scheduled for release early next year. Furthermore, work is underway on upgraded MacBook Pro versions that will incorporate the M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, signaling Apple’s commitment to maintaining performance leadership in its premium devices even as it broadens its consumer base with more accessible models.
Altogether, these developments portray a carefully orchestrated expansion of Apple’s computing ecosystem. By introducing a low-cost laptop running an iPhone chip, Apple appears poised to redefine the entry-level segment of the Mac lineup while simultaneously reinforcing its dominance in both performance and affordability across different computing tiers.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/813391/apple-mac-laptop-iphone-a-series-chip-macbook-cheaper
