Here’s everything you need to know about the rumored A19 Pro MacBook that could be Apple’s new affordable laptop.
New MacBook with A19 Pro: In summary
Apple is said to be planning to launch a budget MacBook powered by an iPhone chip.
Analyst claims production underway.
Possible spring 2026 launch.
Apple’s MacBook lineup could be in for a major shakeup. The company is reportedly planning on releasing a new laptop that can compete with Windows laptops in the budget market. Such a laptop could bring the Mac to a whole new class of users.
This new, low-cost MacBook could be a very popular one, which means you’ll want to keep track of its developments. Well, look no further. This article will keep track of the rumors and reports of this upcoming product, as well as offer our perspective on the device, so keep an eye on this page for the latest.A19 Pro MacBook: Release date
Rumored late 2025 release
Spring 2026 more likely
One recurrent rumor in 2025 has predicted that Apple plans to launch a lower-cost MacBook model based around an A-class (probably A19 Pro or A18 Pro) iPhone processor. Until now, the timeframe of such a project has been relatively vague, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who began the original rumor about the low-cost MacBook, back in June 2025, has claimed that the new MacBook will enter mass production during the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025.
Kuo had previously suggested that Apple would start production of the new iPhone chip-powered MacBook Pro at the end of the fourth quarter of 2025 or in the early stage of the first quarter of 2026, but he is now suggesting that production will start in 2025, so, it follows, the device could be with us a little sooner than previously thought.
If Kuo is using Apple’s financial calendar, the end of Apple’s Q4 2025 is on September 27. So, it might be possible that the laptop is available for the 2025 holiday shopping season.
Kuo isn’t the only one pointing to a possible 2025 launch. On August 11, DigiTimes reported that the new budget MacBook could ship “by the end of the third quarter of 2025.”
However, it’s worth emphasising that these dates refer to the manufacturing process rather than the announcement or shipping timeframe. If that began near the start of Q4–in the middle of October, for instance–then it’s possible the product could be with us by the end of the year. But at this point it seems more plausible that it’ll arrive in early 2026, potentially at a spring event.
More evidence that such a Mac is in the pipeline: MacRumors reported that the identifier “Mac17,1” was found in the code of Apple Intelligence. This identifier does not correspond to any known Macs, nor does it follow the convention of any upcoming Macs. It’s assumed that this is referring to the A19 (or A18) Pro MacBook.
On November 4, 2025, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple is planning to release a “low-cost laptop to rival Chromebooks and Windows PCs” in the first half of 2026. It is currently in testing at Apple and “in early production with overseas suppliers.”What will the new MacBook be called?
MacBook (probably)
No reports have been made about the official name of the laptop, but you can assume it won’t be part of the MacBook Air line. It’s being referred to as the A18 or A19 Pro MacBook, based on the chip it could have.
