Apple is using defective microchips to reduce product cost
For many years, Apple has used a practice in its manufacturing process where microchips identified as defective or not operating at full capacity are not discarded, but instead installed in lower-cost devices with limited functionality. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
This strategy has been applied since the era of the iPhone 4 and the first-generation iPad tablets, where faulty graphics or processing cores are disabled via software and the chips are used in more affordable models. This approach allows the company to reduce manufacturing waste and significantly lower product pricing.
A notable example of this practice is the MacBook Air M1 laptop, in which the base model uses a seven-core graphics processor instead of the eight-core version.
Similarly, the upcoming iPhone 17e smartphone, expected to be unveiled in 2026, is planned to be equipped with processors that did not meet the high standards required for premium models but still retain stable performance capabilities. Such a solution not only improves economic efficiency but also ensures maximum utilization at every stage of the technological process.
The recently unveiled MacBook Neo sketch laptop further demonstrates the success of this strategy. Priced at approximately $600, this device is powered by the A18 Pro processor from the iPhone 16 Pro model, but with one graphics core deactivated.
As a result, this laptop demonstrates significantly higher productivity compared to Windows-based competitors in its price range, securing a unique position in the market. This creates an opportunity for users to enjoy high technological capabilities at an affordable price.
Although such practices are considered standard in the semiconductor industry, Apple has implemented them with particular skill within its business model. This approach enables the company to increase production volume while rationally distributing technical performance across devices in different price segments.
In this way, even technically imperfect components are ensured to fulfill their functions fully, turning into a beneficial solution for both consumers and the manufacturer.
