Tech News

Apple May Launch Affordable MacBook Powered by iPhone 17 Pro’s A19 Chipset

Highlights

Apple may equip its upcoming budget MacBook with the iPhone 17 Pro’s A19 Pro chip.
It is expected to feature a 12.9-inch screen and launch in vibrant colours like pink, blue, silver, and yellow.
The pricing is tipped to start at $599–$699 (₹52,000–₹61,000) and it could launch globally by year-end.

New reports hint at the chipset Apple might use for the upcoming affordable MacBook. (Image credit – Apple)

It was reported a while back that Apple is gearing up to launch a new budget-friendly MacBook by the end of this year. Now, fresh leaks suggest a major upgrade in its processing power.

The device, which has been circulating in the rumour mill for months, was initially expected to feature the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro. However, with the arrival of the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple might take a different approach.

According to tipster Mobile Chip Master on Weibo, Apple is now considering using the A19 Pro chipset from the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max to power this upcoming MacBook.

A19 Pro Vs A18 Pro

iPhone 17 Pro series phones currently use A19 Pro chips. (Image credit – Apple)

The A19 Pro delivers a significant performance jump compared to its predecessor. Reports claim that the iPhone 17 Pro scores 3,895 points in single-core and 9,746 in multi-core tests on Geekbench with the A19 Pro. In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro with A18 Pro managed 3,445 (single-core) and 8,579 (multi-core).

This performance leap suggests that the affordable MacBook, if equipped with the A19 Pro, could easily handle demanding tasks, making it a highly competitive option in Apple’s lineup.

For those concerned about a phone processor in a MacBook, Apple’s latest chips are already outperforming some of its laptops. For context, the M2 MacBook Air scores 2,596 (single-core) and 9,719 (multi-core) on Geekbench, which is actually lower than even the A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro. This shows that the A19 Pro could rival or even surpass entry-level MacBook performance.

Affordable MacBook – What Else We Know?

Leaks suggest that the new MacBook will feature a 12.9-inch display, slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch panel on the MacBook Air. Apple may also give it a more colourful design with expected finishes in pink, blue, silver, and yellow, appealing to younger buyers and students.

Apple’s current M4 MacBook Air starts at Rs 99,900 in India, but the new affordable MacBook is expected to be priced much lower. Reports suggest a starting price of around $599 (roughly Rs 52,370), though some sources believe it could go up to $699 (around Rs 61,113).

The device could launch globally including in India by the end of this year. It will most likely give Apple an opportunity to tap into emerging markets with a competitively priced laptop.

FAQs

Q1. What chipset is expected to power Apple’s upcoming budget MacBook?

Answer. Leaks suggest Apple may use the A19 Pro chipset from the iPhone 17 Pro lineup, offering performance that rivals or surpasses the M2 MacBook Air.

Q2. How does the A19 Pro compare to previous Apple chips?

Answer. The A19 Pro scores 3,895 (single-core) and 9,746 (multi-core) on Geekbench, significantly higher than the A18 Pro and even the M2 chip in some benchmarks.

Q3. What are the expected specs and pricing of the affordable MacBook?

Answer. It may feature a 12.9-inch display, colourful design options, and launch at $599–$699 (₹52,000–₹61,000), targeting students and emerging markets by year-end.