Is Apple Really Putting a Phone Chip in the Next MacBook? What This Means for the Future of Mac

In a surprising twist that’s making waves across the tech world, rumors are swirling that Apple is planning to release an all-new affordable MacBook powered not by a traditional Mac chip—but by the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro. Yes, you read that right. A phone chip running macOS.

For longtime Apple followers, this move feels like a reversal. Rather than pushing innovation forward, it seems like Apple might be backtracking—at least when it comes to performance and expandability. If reports are to be believed, this new MacBook could arrive with just 8GB of RAM and limited I/O ports, sparking concerns that we’re heading back into the “form over function” territory.

A Throwback to the SE Line?

If Apple truly plans to use a mobile processor in their next laptop, it might signal the arrival of a new MacBook SE, or as some sarcastically call it—the Sad Edition. Remember the 12-inch MacBook? That ultra-thin, ultra-portable design looked great on paper but was criticized for its lack of power, butterfly keyboard issues, and high price. Ironically, those who owned it absolutely adored it.

This rumored MacBook might be a spiritual successor. Thin, light, sleek—but with a questionable spec sheet.

What’s the Deal With the A18 Pro Chip?

The A18 Pro, slated to power the iPhone 16 Pro, is no slouch. Early benchmarks suggest it outperforms the M1 chip, especially in multi-core tasks. That’s quite a feat, considering how revolutionary the M1 was when it launched. Apple even gave developers early access to macOS on A-series chips during the original Apple Silicon transition—with great success using the A12Z.

If the A18 Pro can run macOS efficiently, it begs an obvious question: Why can’t the iPad do it?

Well, the answer isn’t technical—it’s strategic. Apple seems determined to keep the iPad and Mac lines separate in terms of capability to avoid cannibalizing their own products. So, while macOS on a phone chip is technically feasible, it’s not something they want you to expect on your iPad anytime soon.

So, What Will This New MacBook Look Like?

The design is rumored to mimic the iconic 12-inch MacBook—a laptop known for its extreme portability. If true, this could be a win for people who want a Mac that’s as thin and light as an iPad but with the full macOS experience. Plus, the new version might ditch the problematic butterfly keyboard in favor of something more reliable. Fingers crossed.

And maybe, just maybe, this new MacBook will be equipped with more than one port. Although if history tells us anything, we shouldn’t get our hopes up too high.

A Moment for Nostalgia—and Hope

This potential device is confusing yet intriguing. It seems to blend the worst and best parts of Apple’s hardware history. A mobile chip in a Mac could mean incredible battery life, silent performance, and a fanless design. But it could also mean limitations, especially if Apple decides to go minimal on ports, RAM, or upgradability.

In any case, Apple has a track record of doing things their own way—sometimes baffling, sometimes brilliant. We’ll have to wait and see whether this new MacBook becomes a cult classic or another underpowered curiosity.

Let’s hope Apple gets it right this time.

Would you buy a MacBook powered by an iPhone chip? Is this innovation or just a clever cost-cutting move? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.