What’s happened? Ever looked at the price of the entry-level MacBook Air and wished it were a couple of hundred dollars cheaper? That might soon become a reality.
- According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing to enter the low-cost laptop market with a new budget MacBook codenamed “J700.“
- This model will compete directly with Chromebooks and affordable Windows laptops, targeting students, professionals, and casual users who don’t want to spend $1,000 on an entry-level MacBook.
- The device is expected to deliver a familiar, smooth macOS experience for everyday tasks such as document editing, web browsing, and light media work.
Why is this important? Apple currently ranks fourth in the global PC market, behind Lenovo, HP, and Dell — all of which offer both premium laptops and budget-friendly Chromebooks or Windows PCs.
- At present, Apple’s most affordable laptop, the $999 M4 MacBook Air (256GB), or $899 with the education discount. An iPad with a Magic Keyboard Folio costs around $600.
- The new budget MacBook is expected to fall within a similar price range, roughly $600 to $900. By targeting the lower end of that spectrum, Apple could appeal to budget-conscious buyers.
- The device is reportedly set to launch in the first half of 2026.
Why should I care? The entry-level MacBook will reportedly use an iPhone processor, aligning with earlier predictions by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who suggested Apple was developing an affordable MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip, the same chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro.
- Since the A20 series will likely be available at launch, the new MacBook could ship with one of Apple’s latest A-series chips.
- Other rumored specs include a 13-inch LCD display, similar to the one in the M1 MacBook Air, and an entirely new design, signaling a departure from older MacBook aesthetics.
- Like the current models, it will offer excellent battery life.
OK, what’s next? If true, this move marks a strategic shift for Apple, which has historically focused on premium, high-margin products rather than competing on price.
- In India, the M1 MacBook Air still sells for around $650, making it the most affordable Mac for lightweight, everyday use. Despite being five years old, it remains a solid performer with long battery life, tight integration with Apple devices, and robust software support, all of which make it a viable Windows PC alternative.
- Apple aims to replicate that value proposition in the United States (and other key markets), offering new hardware at a similar price point to attract first-time Mac buyers.
- The upcoming budget MacBook could serve as a cheaper alternative to the M5 MacBook Air, also expected to debut early next year.
