Apple Set to Enter Budget Laptop Market
According to a Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing to enter the low-cost laptop market for the first time. The tech giant is developing a new budget MacBook, code-named J700, aimed at students, small businesses, and everyday users who primarily browse the web or edit documents.
The move signals a shift in Apple’s long-standing strategy of focusing on premium, high-margin products. The new MacBook will be priced well under $1,000, targeting the same audience that currently buys Chromebooks and entry-level Windows PCs.
A New Direction for Apple’s Mac Lineup
The upcoming MacBook will reportedly use an iPhone processor instead of a chip designed specifically for computers. This marks the first time Apple will use a smartphone chip in a Mac. Despite that, internal testing suggests the performance will outpace the M1 chip, which powered earlier MacBook Air models.
Apple plans to equip the device with a lower-end LCD display, slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch panel used in the MacBook Air. The company aims to keep costs down while maintaining its signature design and reliability.
Targeting Students and Everyday Users
The new MacBook is expected to appeal to students and consumers who want the flexibility of macOS but at a lower cost. Currently, Apple’s entry-level iPad with a Magic Keyboard Folio costs around $600. The upcoming budget MacBook would be in a similar price range, offering better battery life and a built-in keyboard.
Apple hopes this new device will attract customers who might otherwise choose a Chromebook or an affordable Windows laptop for school or light work.
Launch Timeline and Market Context
The J700 MacBook is already in active testing and early production with overseas suppliers. Apple is reportedly planning to launch it in the first half of 2026.
The move could reshape Apple’s position in the global PC market, where it currently holds about 9% share, ranking behind Lenovo, HP, and Dell. As the Mac segment continues to grow—rising 13% to $8.73 billion last quarter—Apple seems ready to expand its user base with a more affordable offering.
What’s Next for Apple’s Mac Portfolio
In addition to this new low-cost model, Apple is preparing a wave of Mac updates. These include the M5 MacBook Air early next year, M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros, and new Mac mini and Mac Studio models. A revamped MacBook Pro with an OLED touchscreen is also on the roadmap for late 2026 or early 2027.
If successful, the budget MacBook could help Apple attract first-time Mac buyers while maintaining its strong ecosystem of devices.
