Rumors that "a low-cost MacBook with the same A18 Pro chip as the iPhone 16 Pro will be released" have rapidly gained traction, primarily through reports from overseas media and analysts, targeting an early 2026 release.

The price is estimated to be around $600, or approximately 100,000 yen, and the target audience is said to be "students and light users" who would otherwise consider Chromebooks or entry-level Windows notebooks.

This article will organize the latest rumors about this A18 Pro-equipped MacBook (the so-called "budget MacBook") and discuss whether you should "wait or buy a used MacBook now" and "how the used market will move after its release," based on three axes: reliability, value, and practicality. We will also introduce how to choose a used MacBook to prepare for this.

A Rough Overview of the A18 Pro MacBook Rumors: What Kind of Model Is It?

The A18 Pro MacBook is rumored to be Apple's first Mac to run on an "iPhone-specific A-series chip." Until now, Macs have been equipped with Mac-specific M-series chips like M1 to M5, but it is highly likely that the budget MacBook will adopt the same A18 Pro chip as the iPhone 16 Pro to reduce costs.

According to Bloomberg and major media reports, this budget MacBook, codenamed "J700," is expected to enter mass production and be released between late 2025 and early 2026. The price is rumored to be "under $1,000," with some predictions ranging from $599 to $699, which would translate to approximately 80,000 to 110,000 yen in Japan.

The display is expected to be around 13 inches LCD, with pop colors such as silver, blue, pink, and yellow. It is said to target a lighter and more casual position than the MacBook Air.

The target audience is mainly the following:

• Students and new graduates looking for their first Mac

• Those torn between a Chromebook or a Windows laptop in the 50,000-80,000 yen range

• People who want to upgrade from an iPad + keyboard to a "proper laptop"

While these are currently "rumors about an unannounced product" and specifications and prices may change in the future, Apple's move to seriously enter the low-cost laptop market seems highly plausible.

Source

MacRumors

Reuters

The Verge

What is the A18 Pro chip? Differences from the M series.

A18 Pro Basic Specs and Features

The A18 Pro is the latest A-series chip installed in the iPhone 16 Pro series. Manufactured using a second-generation 3nm process, its CPU and GPU performance are reported to have significantly improved over the A17 Pro.

According to benchmark leaks and analysis, the A18 Pro significantly surpasses the M1 in single-core performance and is rated as comparable to or even better than the original M1 MacBook Air in multi-core and GPU performance. In other words, even though it's a "smartphone chip," it already has the potential to rival first-generation Mac-specific Apple Silicon.

Furthermore, the A18 Pro is optimized for running Apple Intelligence (generative AI and assistant features), characterized by its ability to perform on-device AI processing quickly and efficiently. According to Apple's current explanations, iPhones with A18/A18 Pro and Macs with M-series chips are central to Apple Intelligence compatibility.

The key point of this rumor is that by putting the A18 Pro in a MacBook, Apple aims to achieve both "smartphone-class power efficiency" and "sufficient performance for a laptop," realizing a "light-user MacBook" with long battery life and low cost.

Rough Performance Comparison with M1-M4 MacBooks

When considering an A18 Pro-equipped MacBook, a key question is, "How much faster is it compared to M-series MacBooks?" Based on rumors and benchmark information, a rough comparison is as follows:

While this is an estimate based on leaked information and assumptions, it's easy to understand it as "an A18 Pro-equipped MacBook that achieves performance close to that of the M1-generation MacBook Air, but cheaper, thinner, and lighter."

Rumored A18 Pro MacBook Specifications, Price, and Release Date

Display, Design, and Color Rumors

According to multiple leaks and analyst reports, the A18 Pro-equipped MacBook is rumored to have the following specifications:

• Display: Approximately 12.9-13 inch LCD

• Resolution: Full HD to 2K class (details unconfirmed)

• Body design: Similar to MacBook Air, but with a slightly simpler structure

• Colors: Colorful options like silver, blue, pink, yellow

• Keyboard: Full-size, large trackpad

• Ports: Primarily USB-C, possibly no Thunderbolt support

This model is considered to be aimed at the educational market and as a competitor to Chromebooks, positioning it as a "casual MacBook" that balances durability and cost.

Price Range, Release Date, and Target Audience

Regarding pricing and release date, current observations are as follows:

• Price:

  • Around $599-$699 in the US

  • Potentially around 90,000-110,000 yen in Japan

• Release Date:

  • Mass production from Q4 2025 to Q1 2026

  • Release in early 2026 is highly likely

• Target Audience:

  • Students/educational institutions

  • Users of low-cost Windows laptops and Chromebooks

  • Those looking to upgrade from an iPad + keyboard to a "proper laptop"

For those who wanted a Mac but found even the MacBook Air too expensive, this budget MacBook with the A18 Pro is likely intended as an "entry-level Mac" to make macOS more accessible.

Who is it for? Anticipated Use Cases for the A18 Pro MacBook

As a "First Mac" for Students and New Graduates

The primary goal of the A18 Pro MacBook is to serve as an "entry-level Mac." For tasks that students and new graduates perform daily, such as report writing, online classes, video viewing, browser research, and creating portfolios for job hunting, the A18 Pro's performance should be more than sufficient.

Furthermore, with anticipated Apple Intelligence support, tasks like creating report outlines, summarizing, and organizing schedules can be offloaded to AI, offering an advantage for academic and work preparation. The A18 Pro, while offering M1-class performance, also boasts excellent power efficiency, leading to long battery life and making it suitable for carrying around campus or to cafes.

For students who "aspire to a MacBook Air but find it hard to afford nearly 200,000 yen," the A18 Pro MacBook, priced around 100,000 yen, could be a realistic option for switching from a Windows laptop.

As a Secondary PC or for iPhone Users with Multiple Devices

For users who already have an iPhone 16 Pro, the A18 Pro MacBook could be a good match. Since the chips are from the same generation, the support period for Apple Intelligence and future OS updates is likely to be similar, allowing for a consistent user experience between iPhone and Mac for a longer time.

For example, one might use an M-series MacBook Pro as their main machine and an A18 Pro MacBook as a secondary device for on-the-go or distributed tasks.
By handling lighter tasks like document creation and browsing on the budget MacBook and reserving demanding tasks such as video editing or 3D CG for the main machine, it can also help distribute battery and device lifespan.

For those who "want to get familiar with macOS on an affordable Mac first and then step up to a high-end model in a few years," the A18 Pro MacBook could be an ideal entry point.

Need one now? Benefits of choosing an existing used MacBook

M1-M3 generation used MacBooks have the advantage of "proven reliability"

While the A18 Pro MacBook is appealing, it's not expected to be available until early 2026 at the earliest, meaning many people who "need a laptop now" won't be able to wait.

In such cases, M1-M3 generation used MacBooks become a realistic option. MacBook Air/Pro models with M1 or later chips have already been on the market for several years and offer the following assurances:

• Many users already have them, and information on stability and issues is well-established.

• Long OS update support and Apple Intelligence compatibility (M1 and later).

• Configurations suitable for heavier tasks, such as 16GB RAM models, can be found at discounted prices in the used market.

• Easier to choose specific screen sizes and port configurations.

Especially the M1/M2/M3 generations offer a good balance of battery life and performance, providing more than enough specs for academic or remote work. If you aim for a time when prices have dropped significantly compared to new models, you can get a "proper Mac" for around 100,000 yen without waiting for the A18 Pro MacBook.

If you're considering a used MacBook, it's a good idea to start by checking PRODIG's MacBook product list page to get a rough idea of condition ranks and price ranges.

PRODIG's Used MacBook List is here:
https://prodig-shop.com/collections/macbook

Points to Consider When Choosing a Used MacBook at PRODIG (Condition Rank, Warranty, etc.)

For those new to used products, "how much compromise is acceptable regarding condition?" is a major concern. At PRODIG, the condition of used products, including MacBooks, is clearly categorized into the following ranks:

• S Rank: New, unopened item.

• A Rank: Very good condition. Minimal scratches or signs of use, but overall clean.

• B Rank: Good condition. Normal wear and tear, minor dents, but no operational issues.

• C Rank: Fair condition. Noticeable scratches or paint chips, but no impact on functionality.

If this is your first used Mac, choosing based on criteria like "A rank for a good appearance" or "B rank for price priority" will help prevent disappointment. S rank items are almost new, making them suitable for "gifts" or "a cherished device you want to use for a long time."

Furthermore, PRODIG sells products after conducting operational checks and with a warranty, allowing for online purchases with a sense of security similar to a physical store, alleviating concerns that "used products might break down quickly."

How will the used market move after the A18 Pro MacBook's release?

Older, entry-level models are likely to see price drops

When the budget MacBook is released, the most affected will be "older generation MacBooks in a similar price range." Specifically, the used market prices for the following models are likely to decrease:

• M1 generation MacBook Air (e.g., 8GB/256GB configurations)

• Old-design Intel-based MacBook Air

• Entry-level 13-inch class MacBook Pro

When the A18 Pro MacBook is released at a price around 100,000 yen, its specifications will rival the M1 generation, and it will likely have advantages in battery life and Apple Intelligence compatibility. Therefore, more people will choose to "wait a bit and buy the new budget MacBook" rather than "buy a used older Air," leading to downward pressure on used prices.

On the other hand, newer generations like M2/M3/M4 target a different audience than the budget model, so they are expected to maintain popularity for "performance-oriented" and "creative use" cases.

Which models and configurations will retain their value?

Even with the release of the A18 Pro MacBook, certain models in the used market will likely retain their value.

• MacBook Air/Pro with 16GB RAM or more

• Higher-end configurations with 512GB storage or more

• Large screen (14-16 inch) or high refresh rate models

• Popular MacBook Pro for creators (M2 Pro/M3 Pro, etc.)

These have a clearly different purpose from cheaper MacBooks, and demand for heavy-duty use such as "video editing," "DTM," "3D production," and "opening many browser tabs and applications simultaneously" remains strong, so prices tend not to drop easily.

For those who want to eventually sell their device used and upgrade, it's a smart choice to configure it with future resale value in mind, such as 16GB of RAM and 512GB or more of storage. By using PRODIG's trade-in service, you can reduce the total cost of upgrading through in-store appraisal in Akihabara.

PRODIG Trade-in here
https://prodig-kaitori.com/

Wait for the A18 Pro MacBook or buy a used one now? Considerations based on usage

For those who need a work environment immediately, "used x older model" is realistic.

• Need a PC right now for employment, career change, or school

• Want to start remote work or side jobs immediately

• Existing PC has broken down and an urgent replacement is needed

In such cases, you'll likely be more satisfied overall by choosing a used M1-M3 generation MacBook wisely, rather than waiting for an A18 Pro MacBook.

For example,

• For "study-focused + online classes + light Adobe work": Used M2/M3 MacBook Air

• For "aspiring engineers or heavy creative work": Used M1 Pro/M2 Pro MacBook Pro

• For "secondary device - text-centric": M1 MacBook Air (B-grade)

These are some possible choices.

If you only need it for a short period, renting is also a realistic option. If you need a Mac for just a few months, you could rent one to bridge the gap while waiting for the official announcement of the A18 Pro MacBook.

PRODIG Rental here
https://prodig-rental.com/

For a "secondary device" or "Apple Intelligence purpose," waiting for an A18 Pro MacBook is also an option.

On the other hand, for people like the following, waiting for an A18 Pro MacBook is worthwhile:

• Already have a main PC and want a cheaper Mac as a secondary device

• Want to use Apple Intelligence daily

• A student who plans to purchase one in spring-summer 2026

The A18 Pro MacBook is likely to be designed as a generation centered around Apple Intelligence. For those who want to quickly complete daily small tasks, such as AI summaries and automatic organization, it will be an attractive option.

For those whose replacement timing coincides with next spring or who can wait a little longer for a secondary device, it's a good idea to check the prices and lineup of the used market while waiting for the official announcement of the cheaper version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the A18 Pro MacBook really be released?

As of November 2025, there has been no official announcement from Apple. However, multiple influential analysts (such as Ming-Chi Kuo) and major media outlets like Bloomberg, Reuters, and MacRumors have consistently reported that a "low-cost MacBook with an A18 Pro" is under development, making its credibility quite high.

Some speculate that it might switch to an A19 Pro instead of an A18 Pro, but the general trend of a "low-cost MacBook powered by an iPhone A-series chip" is almost considered a given.

Should I wait for the release or choose a used MacBook now?

• Need a PC immediately → Prioritize a used M1-M3 MacBook

• Secondary device, no rush → Worth waiting for the official announcement of the A18 Pro MacBook

• For creative purposes with heavy workloads → Higher-end models like M2 Pro/M3 Pro used are more suitable

This is the basic way of thinking.

The A18 Pro MacBook is very attractive as a "cheap and light everyday Mac," but for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D production that heavily utilize the GPU, higher-end M-series models still hold an advantage. It's recommended to clarify "why you need a Mac" before deciding whether to wait for the cheaper version or choose a used current model.

Which Mac should I choose if I want to fully utilize Apple Intelligence?

Apple Intelligence is currently (and is expected to be) available on Macs with the following specifications:

• Chip: M1 or later Mac (MacBook Air/MacBook Pro/iMac, etc.)

• Memory: 16GB or more recommended

• Storage: Minimum 256GB is realistic

Based on that,

• If budget allows → M4/M5 generation MacBook Air/Pro

• If budget is modest → Used M2/M3 MacBook Air

• Even cheaper → A18 Pro MacBook (after release)

Thinking in these three stages makes it easier to organize. The A18 Pro MacBook is likely to be the "entry-level" option for Apple Intelligence, becoming a realistic starting point for many users.

Finally

The rumor of the A18 Pro MacBook is not just about a new model; it signifies a major strategic shift where Apple is seriously entering the low-cost laptop market.
With the evolution of the A-series chips for iPhone, a Mac with "M1-class performance + Apple Intelligence support" at around 100,000 yen is becoming a reality.

Meanwhile, used M1-M3 generation MacBooks, which have a proven track record, are a balanced and cost-effective choice for those who need a PC for work or study right now. When the A18 Pro MacBook is released, the used market prices for some models may drop, creating an opportunity to get a Mac at a better value.

• "If you need it now, get a used Mac"

• "If it's a secondary device or for AI, waiting for an A18 Pro MacBook is also an option"

It is important to choose a device that suits your purpose and timing based on this axis.

PRODIG offers not only used MacBooks with clear condition rankings, but also rental services, trade-ins, and a dedicated consultation desk for corporations, allowing you to consider all options comprehensively. If you're interested, start by checking the inventory list and column articles to figure out the "most affordable and optimal way to own a Mac" for you.

PRODIG's Used MacBook List here
https://prodig-shop.com/collections/macbook

PRODIG's Used iPhone List here
https://prodig-shop.com/collections/iphone