Apple is reportedly working on a new entry-level MacBook that could disrupt the budget laptop segment in developing markets to attract budget-conscious users.
Article continues below the video
According to a new report issued by Bloombergthe budget Mac is “aimed to draw customers away from Chromebooks and Windows PCs” and is designed for students, businesses, and everyday users who want to browse the Internet, work on documents, and make light edits.
The much-rumoured device, codenamed J700, has been in development for some time. The report now says that the device is currently being tested at Apple and in early production stages with suppliers. Citing a source, the publication claims that the budget MacBook will be coming in the first few months of 2026.
For decades, Apple has focused on manufacturing and selling premium devices with huge profit margins and has not delved into the budget segment. But now that the Cupertino tech giant is facing stiff competition from Chromebooks, Google’s portable laptops powered by ChromeOS, Apple seems to want to make a dent in the sector.
What will a budget MacBook bring to the table?
Apple is reportedly planning to sell its upcoming budget-friendly laptop for under $1,000, which will likely be done by reducing hardware components. An earlier report by Digitimes, citing “supply chain sources,” indicates that the affordable MacBook will start at $699 with an education discount.
The much-rumored MacBook is said to be powered by an iPhone processor and is said to feature a smaller LCD display than the new MacBook Air which has a 13.6-inch display. Although the chipset may seem cumbersome, internal tests at Apple reportedly show that the iPhone chip performs better than the M1-powered MacBook Air of a few years ago.
As for the design, speculation suggests that the upcoming laptop may look very different from the current lineup and contain much lower-quality components to keep the price down. Compared to an entry-level iPad with keyboard assembly that costs around $600, a budget MacBook will have better battery life, making it attractive to both consumers and students alike.
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
(Tags for translation) Apple MacBook
