Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the low-cost laptop market for the first time, developing a new budget MacBook that could launch in the first half of 2026, according to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
Codenamed “J700,” the new machine is designed to compete with Chromebooks and entry-level Windows PCs, targeting students, businesses, and casual users. The laptop will cater to those who primarily browse the web, use productivity tools, or perform light media editing. It’s also expected to appeal to potential iPad buyers who prefer a traditional laptop experience.
Apple’s budget MacBook is said to use a lower-cost LCD display measuring slightly under the MacBook Air’s 13.6 inches — with previous reports pointing to a 12.9-inch screen — and rely on less-advanced components to keep costs down. The company plans to price it well below the $999 M4 MacBook Air, its current most affordable laptop. Earlier leaks have suggested a possible $599 starting price.
The upcoming device will reportedly be powered by an iPhone processor — marking the first time Apple has used a smartphone chip in a Mac. Internal testing has shown that the chip performs better than the Mac-optimized M1 found in older Apple offerings.
The move represents a significant shift for Apple, which has long avoided the budget PC market in favor of premium hardware. However, with Chromebooks dominating schools and Microsoft’s Windows 11 transition frustrating some users, Apple appears to see an opening.
Apple’s Mac segment was the company’s fastest-growing hardware category last quarter, up 13% to $8.73 billion. Per Gurman, Apple’s broader Mac roadmap for 2026 includes an M5 MacBook Air early next year, M5 Pro and M5 Max-powered MacBook Pros, new M5 and M5 Pro Mac mini models, M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac Studios, and a revamped MacBook Pro with an M6 chip and iPhone-style OLED touchscreen slated for late 2026 or early 2027.
A low-cost MacBook could help Apple significantly expand its foothold in education and budget-conscious markets while strengthening the appeal of its broader ecosystem — particularly in regions where the iPhone already dominates.
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An "affordable" Mac!!! I never thought i would have lived to see this ever happen!
Lol…affordable starting at just $899 after student discount !
LOL I know right! And this will compete with Chromebooks!! I don’t think so!