TechCapsules

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

A new MacBook model, potentially running on an A18 Pro chip, may have been referenced in macOS 15.1 code as early as July 2024. According to posts shared by Aaron Perris via X, the code references included a list of iPhone, iPad, and Mac models, with a notable mention of "Mac17,1," a currently unused model identifier. This discovery comes on the heels of a report by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who claimed that Apple is working on a MacBook that uses an A-series processor instead of an M-series chip. Specifically, the report suggests that the MacBook would be powered by the A18 Pro chip, the same one used in the iPhone 16 Pro. Kuo's report also detailed that the MacBook would feature a 13-inch display and would be available in silver, blue, pink, and yellow color options. Mass production of the device is expected to begin at the end of 2025 or the start of 2026, with Apple planning to sell between five and seven million units in 2026. While there is no direct evidence linking the "Mac17,1" identifier to the A-series MacBook, the timing of the discovery is intriguing, especially considering Kuo's recent report. If the model is indeed a more affordable MacBook option, as suggested by Kuo's sales projections, it could be a significant development for Apple's product lineup. It's worth noting that there is no concrete evidence or further details about the "Mac17,1" model beyond its mention in the macOS 15.1 code. However, the discovery does add fuel to the speculation surrounding Apple's plans for an A-series-powered MacBook.