The MacBook Air has been the benchmark laptop for those seeking lightness and performance in the Apple environment., but the company could be about to give its range a twist with the aim of reaching an even wider audience. After the introduction of the model with the M4 chip, which represented a leap in efficiency and new functions linked to artificial intelligence, Everything points to an imminent expansion into the low-cost segment, something unprecedented in the firm's strategy in recent years.
In recent days, rumors have gained ground about a new Apple laptop that is cheaper than the current MacBook Air.. According to leaks from specialized media and renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the company would be working on a team with 13 inch and a design similar to the Air, but with a key difference: the chosen processor would be the A18 Pro, the same one that the next iPhone 16 Pro will have, instead of the usual M series chips.
A MacBook Air with an iPhone chip: The big surprise of 2026?
The possible arrival of a MacBook Air even more affordable This would represent a significant change in Apple's usual strategy, as until now the Air series has been the entry point to the company's laptop range. The new device I would bet on the A18 Pro chip to achieve a better balance between price and performance, and it is suggested that it could be launched in several striking colors, such as silver, blue, pink or yellow.
This bet would seek to attract less demanding users, such as students or those who need a laptop for office tasks and basic multimedia use, a segment in which Apple could reach production of 5 to 7 million units in 2026., according to Kuo's own estimates. The sales target is reminiscent of the boom during the pandemic, when demand for MacBooks increased significantly.
What differences would there be between the current MacBook Air and the future budget model?
The main novelty of the supposed new The budget MacBook Air would have an A18 Pro processor., which is commonly used in high-end iPhones. This chip has demonstrated a performance very close to that of the Apple M4 in single-core testsHowever, in multi-core tasks and extreme performance, the differences in favor of the M-series processors are still noticeable.
In performance tests like GeekBench, the The A18 Pro offers figures only slightly lower than the M4 in single-core operations., but it falls further behind in tasks that require multiple cores simultaneously. For users who don't need maximum performance for video editing or advanced programming, this new MacBook might be sufficient.
As for memory and storage, there's no definitive information yet, but the device is expected to be aimed at an audience that prioritizes lightness, autonomy, and ease of use over top-tier power figures.
A clear strategy: expand the market with affordable laptops
To this day, the MacBook Air remains the best-selling model in the Apple family thanks to its latest price cut and hardware improvements with the M4 chip. However, the move to an even cheaper laptop suggests that Apple wants to take on entry-level Windows machines and offer a real alternative in the economic segment that does not sacrifice the user experience or the ecosystem that characterizes its products.
The possible choice of vibrant colors and a design that continues with the Air This reinforces the idea that it would be an attractive option for students, young people, and home users looking for reliability and long-term support, but at a more affordable cost.
When will it arrive and what will the price be?
The calendar suggested by analysts indicates that The new budget MacBook Air is expected to go into production in late 2025., to reach stores throughout the first half of 2026. There is still no official information on the price, but It is expected to be significantly lower than that of the current Air models., which start at 1.199 euros in Spain.
This significant cost reduction would make it easier for more users to access the Mac ecosystem without the high price barrier. According to leaks, the success of this launch will depend on the price difference compared to the Air with the M4 processor and the actual needs of the average user.
The arrival of a MacBook Air with A18 Pro chip represents an interesting turn in Apple's catalog and could mark the trend toward more affordable devices, seeking to maximize sales and loyalty among its user base. We'll have to wait in the coming months to learn more details and, above all, whether this model ultimately materializes and achieves the impact Apple hopes for in the market.