Nobody claimed it was going to be equivalent to a MacBook Pro or even a MacBook Air. A code leak details the budget MacBook having an A18 Pro chip, limits on charging, no True Tone, and more.
Apple is preparing a new low-cost MacBook model for launch, switching out Apple Silicon’s M-series chips for an A-series from the iPhone. While the rumor mill has settled on some core specifications, other measures will help bring the cost of production down for the company.
In a technical analysis of an internal test build of macOS shared with AppleInsider, there will be quite a few smaller changes in the smaller MacBook compared to the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
The big one is the already-settled A-series chip. The latest leak says that the processor is in fact the A18 Pro used in the iPhone 16 Pro.
The “AppleALSColorSensor” driver is missing in the build, with macOS instead reverting to a legacy “AppleEmbeddedLightSensor” driver instead. This is believed to be proof that the device lacks the sensor required for True Tone to function.
True Tone is Apple’s feature that changes the coloring of the display to match the environment of the user. For example, a blue item will be perceived to have the same shade of blue if the display is moved from sunny outdoors to indoors.
This at least isn’t a massive loss to consumers. It’s a feature that designers and creatives will actively use for their color-sensitive work, but it’s less important for someone who wants a simple notebook.
Comms and charging
Another apparently missing element is “com.apple.driver.AppleHighVoltageCharger.” With this missing, it is forecast that there won’t be any fast charging capability in the new model.
The Wi-Fi is also claimed to be using the “AppleSunrise” driver, which means it’s using a “Sunrise” Wi-Fi module from MediaTek. For the MacBook, this would mean that the MediaTek-based Wi-Fi from the A16 iPad will be in use.
Apple’s new N1 modem won’t be in use, meaning no Wi-Fi 7 nor Bluetooth 6 support. Again, it’s not a massive problem for consumers using a low-cost notebook, compared to the greater needs of MacBook Pro users.
There’s also a reuse of an older “AppleCS42L83Audio” driver in the build. This matches the M1 MacBook Air, and equates to a lack of high-impedance headphone support.
Low-cost production
The internal build details from the source cannot be verified at this time. However, it does line up with earlier reports about the budget MacBook, and Apple’s search for ways to intelligently cut costs to meet a low price tag.
In an effort to capture the budget end of the market from Chromebooks, the new model will have a price tag at around $699 to $750.
The change in chip will help reduce costs on a notebook that will have a 13-inch display, though not necessarily to the same resolution and quality of others on the roster. The cost-cutting has the potential to affect the number of USB-C ports on the device, and even reduce the available memory to just 8GB.
Apple’s use of aluminum will continue for the model instead of switching to a cheaper casing material. There’s also the prospect of introducing more color to the Apple product catalog, too.
In this particular case, the leaker supplying the information has no established accuracy history. The nearest thing has been a claim that the next iPad mini will use an A20 Pro chip, which is in the realm of an educated guess rather than actual leak sourcing.
That said, we know Apple has to cut costs considerably for the budget MacBook. The leak’s content seems to fit that narrative very well.