Apple is preparing a new product that could change the landscape of affordable notebooks: a 13-inch MacBook powered by the A18 Pro processor, the same one that powers the top-of-the-line iPhones. This unprecedented strategy marks a shift in the brand's approach to the entry-level market, betting on already consolidated smartphone technology to create a cheaper notebook, without losing Apple's DNA.

Design and Versatility for Everyone The new MacBook takes inspiration from the iconic MacBook Air, retaining the 13-inch display and unibody chassis, but bringing a splash of color to the lineup. Vibrant options like silver, blue, pink, and yellow are expected, in keeping with the spirit of the latest iMacs. The design will be sleek, lightweight and practical, with robust construction and possibly no fans, ensuring quiet and efficient operation. A18 Pro Power: What to Expect? The heart of the notebook will be the A18 Pro, the top-of-the-line processor of the new iPhone, designed for energy efficiency and performance in everyday tasks. In benchmark tests, the A18 Pro comes close to the M4's single-core performance, but lags behind in multi-core tasks, which won't be an issue for most users, especially students, mobile professionals, or those looking for a second computer. This chip also integrates a powerful 16-core Neural Engine, accelerating artificial intelligence functions and enabling experiences such as image processing, speech recognition and other AI features, all quickly and locally, without depending on the cloud. Affordable MacBook: Portability, Color, and Integration Within Everyone’s Reach This new MacBook is Apple's clear response to the market looking for portability, design and integration with the ecosystem, at a more attractive price. The user profile that will most appreciate this notebook includes students who need a reliable computer for classes and work, professionals on the go who value lightness and autonomy, and those looking for a second notebook for daily tasks without compromising their budget. The combination of fresh colors, efficient performance and a more affordable price makes this MacBook a smart choice for those who want to enter the Apple universe without large investments. Strategy and Market Apple is planning a massive production run, estimating that it will sell between 5 and 7 million units of this model in 2026, which represents a significant portion of total MacBook sales. The goal is to recover the sales volume of the pre-pandemic period, approaching 25 million units per year, and to win over new audiences, especially in emerging markets and among students. Availability and Price in Portugal Mass production of the new MacBook is expected in late 2025 or early 2026, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In Portugal, the launch is expected to happen shortly after, following Apple's usual launch pattern. As for the price, there is nothing official yet, but everything indicates that it will be significantly cheaper than the current MacBook Air, which starts at 1099 euros. The new model is expected to cost below 1000 euros, and could be around 800 to 900 euros, depending on the configuration and the distributor. The success of the product will depend, to a large extent, on the final price and the perception of value by consumers.