Apple's Rumored Chromebook Killer Could Be a MacBook With an iPhone Brain

For years, there’s been one market where Apple’s dominance completely evaporates: the budget-friendly laptop space. That territory belongs to Google’s Chromebooks, which have flooded schools and homes thanks to their simplicity and low cost. Now, it looks like Apple is finally preparing its counter-attack.

According to new reports from reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is gearing up for mass production of a completely new, lower-cost MacBook in the final quarter of 2025. And its secret weapon for hitting a budget price point is to give this new Mac the guts of an iPhone.

A New Class of MacBook

Kuo’s latest note claims this rumored machine will be powered by an A18 Pro processor, the same family of chips expected to drive the iPhone. This is a radical departure from the powerful M-series chips found in the current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. By using a smaller, more cost-effective A-series chip, Apple could finally produce a laptop that competes on price without sacrificing the core macOS experience.

The timeline suggests a potential release in the first quarter of 2026. Kuo reiterates previous claims that the device will sport a 13-inch display and come in a range of colors, including silver, blue, pink, and yellow—a clear nod to a younger, more consumer-focused audience. Apple is reportedly aiming to ship between five and seven million units in its first year, an ambitious target that signals serious intent.

Taking Aim at the Classroom

Let’s be clear: this device is a direct shot at the heart of the Chromebook market. A colorful, affordable MacBook running a highly efficient iPhone chip is the perfect machine for students and casual users. The A18 Pro, while not an M-series powerhouse, is more than capable of handling the web browsing, document editing, and video streaming that define the Chromebook experience.

This move could also strategically reposition the entire MacBook lineup. With a new, true entry-level “MacBook,” the MacBook Air would be freed up to further solidify its position as the mainstream, mid-tier standard, creating a clearer distinction between the product tiers.

While this is still a rumor, it’s one that makes perfect sense. It addresses the most obvious gap in Apple’s hardware portfolio. The era of the sub-$1000 Mac might be upon us, and if it is, the budget laptop market is about to get a serious shake-up.