The Apple Silicon saga has allowed a multitude of MacBook models to be outfitted with the company’s M-series of chipsets, with the same hardware branching to the iPad range. Now, based on the backend code, we have learned that the Cupertino firm is taking another direction with its portable Mac family, which involves one model equipped with an A18 Pro. While this means that the upcoming machine will be slower than the majority of M-series versions, it does give Apple flexibility to price it more competitively, targeting an increased customer base.
Other specifications belonging to the A18 Pro-powered MacBook feature the unique identifier ‘Mac17,1’
Previously, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that Apple was working on a low-cost MacBook that would sport a 13-inch display and would arrive in the colors silver, blue, pink, and yellow. MacRumors has now stumbled upon some backend code that reveals the unique identifier Mac17,1, providing sufficient evidence that the company is working on an affordable product kitted with the A18 Pro. With this launch, Apple would introduce a fresh face to the portable Mac family, and first, the model that does not ship with an M-series SoC.
Given that Apple’s iPadOS is just an expanded version of iOS, the platform is seamlessly compatible with the company’s M-series of chipsets. This means that even the A-series silicon should have little difficulty running macOS, though users who intend to keep this MacBook as their daily driver will likely notice a notable performance drop because the A18 Pro only features a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU. However, as mentioned above, the attractive aspect of this MacBook is that the lower-tier specifications mean that it will be more affordable, making it an obvious choice for college students or those who want a reliable and sturdy computer for their daily use.
As for mass production, Kuo had mentioned that the A18 Pro-powered notebook’s manufacturing timeline is expected to start in either Q4 2025 or Q1 2026, suggesting a launch in the second half of next year.
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
