Apple is reportedly preparing to launch a low-cost Mac laptop in the first half of 2026, marking its entry into the budget PC market for the first time. According to a Bloomberg report, the device is designed to attract students, small businesses, and casual users who primarily browse the web, work on documents, or edit light media.
Apple Targets Chromebook and Windows PC Market
The upcoming Mac, internally codenamed J700, aims to offer a more affordable PC option to customers currently using Google Chromebooks or entry-level Windows laptops. Apple’s move signals a growing focus on the education and value-conscious consumer segment that has been dominated by Google and Microsoft.
Lenovo is the global PC market leader with 27.8 percent share in Q3-2025, according to Gartner report. Other PC vendors are HP (21.5 percent), Dell (14.5 percent), Apple (8.9 percent), and ASUS (7.7 percent).
Bloomberg report suggests that the laptop will be positioned well under $1,000, produced by using less advanced components compared to the MacBook Air. Apple is currently testing the new model and working with overseas suppliers for early production runs.
Powered by an iPhone Processor
Apple is expected to power the new device with an iPhone-grade chip, a first for the Mac lineup. This chipset has reportedly demonstrated better performance than the early M1 chip, which powered MacBooks just a few years ago.
The notebook will feature a lower-end LCD display, measuring slightly under 13.6 inches, making it the smallest current Mac model. It is expected to appeal to those who want the familiarity of macOS but at a more accessible price point.
Competing Against iPad Buyers
The budget Mac will also target potential iPad buyers who prefer a traditional laptop experience over a tablet. Apple’s strategy could help it broaden its ecosystem reach by offering multiple tiers of computing devices catering to varied use cases.
At present, the cheapest Mac is the M4 MacBook Air priced at $999, or $899 with a student discount. A sub-$1,000 Mac would mark a significant shift in Apple’s pricing strategy and expand its customer base in emerging markets and education sectors.
Boost to Apple’s Mac Revenue
Apple recently reported Mac sales of $8.73 billion for the fourth quarter of 2025, beating analyst estimates. The company also forecasted strong iPhone and overall revenue growth for the holiday quarter. The introduction of a budget Mac could further support Apple’s hardware revenue momentum into 2026.
While Apple has not commented on the speculation, the Bloomberg report indicates that development and testing for the J700 laptop are well underway, positioning Apple for a major new product launch in early 2026.
Rajani Baburajan
