What’s new: a cheaper MacBook in the works

Apple is reportedly preparing a lower-cost Mac notebook, codenamed J700, aimed at students, casual users and businesses that need simple web, document and light-media workflows. Multiple industry reports say the machine is in testing and early production with overseas suppliers and could arrive in the first half of 2026. Price targets vary but one recurring detail is that Apple is aiming for “well under $1,000” — with some supply-chain reports suggesting a range closer to $599–$699.

Clues about design and components

Details remain partial and in some cases contradictory, but common threads across reports include:
  • Processor: Rather than an M-series chip, Apple may use a mobile A‑series (iPhone) processor to lower costs. Insiders have pointed to early A‑series variants (reports have named A19 Pro and earlier A18 Pro in different accounts) or a Mac-specific variant built from that architecture.
  • Display: Apple appears to be planning a smaller, lower-cost LCD panel — smaller than the 13.6‑inch MacBook Air. Some sources suggest a screen near 12–12.9 inches.
  • Ports and performance tradeoffs: A phone-class chip could mean limited features compared with mainstream MacBooks; for example, earlier reporting noted some A‑series designs lack Thunderbolt support, which would affect high-speed external displays and storage.
  • Colors and form factor: Rumors include a lighter, more colorful design than current MacBooks, suggesting Apple may try to appeal to students and buyers who might otherwise choose an iPad or Chromebook.

    • None of this is confirmed by Apple. A company representative did not immediately comment in the reporting cited by outlets covering the story.

    Why Apple might shift strategy

    Apple has historically positioned Macs as premium products and publicly resisted chasing share through lower-priced models. Still, the market has shifted: Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops dominate the education segment and low-cost consumer tiers, and Mac unit growth has cooled in some quarters. Analysts see several motivations for a budget MacBook:
  • Win back students and education buyers who acquired Chromebooks during the pandemic.
  • Provide an upgrade path for iPad users who want a more traditional laptop experience.
  • Offer a low-cost gateway into macOS and Apple’s ecosystem to expand long-term services revenue.

    • “As a move to entice consumers with a high-quality, lower-cost MacBook running macOS in place of an iPad with a keyboard, Apple can likely take a chunk of that market,” said Josh Goldman, managing editor at CNET, in coverage of the reports. At the same time, Goldman cautioned that cracking the education market — where Chromebooks are entrenched — would be challenging.

    Pricing and how it compares

    If the J700 lands near $599–$699, it would sit well below today’s entry-level M4 MacBook Air, which starts at $999, and roughly alongside an iPad with a keyboard accessory in total cost. That would put a MacBook option in direct contention with the most affordable Chromebooks ($300–$500) and low-end Windows laptops.

    Past Apple moves provide context: older M1 MacBook Air units were sold at deeply discounted retail prices and Apple has previously experimented with narrower-margin products. But a new low-price Mac would represent a notable departure from Apple’s usual pricing strategy.

    What this means for competitors

    Analysts and journalists covering the leaks say a low-cost MacBook could rattle the Chromebook and budget Windows markets, particularly for families and education buyers who value build quality, battery life and Apple ecosystem integration. ZDNET described the device as a potential “Chromebook killer” if it delivers an appealing mix of price and MacOS features.

    There are caveats: hardware compromises (lower-resolution LCD, fewer connectivity options, and a phone-class chip) would leave space for Chromebooks and Windows machines with specific strengths, like broader legacy app support, Thunderbolt-enabled docks, or cheaper hardware at the very lowest price points.

    What to expect and when

  • Timing: Multiple reports place J700’s launch in the first half of 2026, with the device already in early production and active testing.
  • Variants: Apple is also reportedly continuing work on higher-end Macs — MacBook Air and Pro models powered by M5-series chips are expected in the product pipeline.

    • Buying guidance: who should wait and who shouldn’t

  • Consider waiting if: You’re a student, school IT buyer or budget-conscious shopper who doesn’t need immediate performance and values macOS — a lower-cost MacBook could be compelling if you can wait through the product cycle.
  • Buy now if: You need the performance, ports, or Thunderbolt workflows of a current M4/M1 Mac, or if you want the best screen and battery characteristics available today. Also, if your work depends on software that’s optimized for M-series chips, choosing an M-powered Mac remains the safer choice.

Bottom line

Reports of a budget Apple laptop — codenamed J700 — point to a strategic shift that would place Apple directly into competition with Chromebooks and low-end Windows laptops. The tradeoffs are clear: lower price likely means lower-cost components and fewer pro features. For many consumers, though, a sub‑$1,000 Mac could finally bring macOS within reach and reshape purchase decisions in education and entry-level computing.

For official information about Apple’s current Mac lineup and specifications, see Apple’s Mac hub: https://www.apple.com/mac/.

AppleMacBookBudget LaptopChromebooksEducation

Related Articles