Highlights
- Apple is developing a sub-$1000 MacBook, expected to launch in early 2026 with an iPhone-class A-series chip.
- This will be the first Mac to use an iPhone processor, potentially the A18 Pro or A19 Pro.
- Targeted as an iPad alternative, the budget MacBook aims to compete with Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops.
Caption – MacBook Pro in the picture. (Image credit – Apple)
We have already reported that Apple is working on a more affordable MacBook that could launch in 2026. Previous reports have confirmed that the device might run on an A-series chip similar to the processors used in iPhones. Now, the latest update coming from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman supports these earlier reports and confirms that Apple is indeed preparing to enter the lower-priced laptop market. Here’s the full story.
Apple’s Most Affordable Mac Notebook Yet
In the latest Bloomberg report, Gurman revealed that Apple’s budget-friendly notebook is code-named J700 and will be priced well under $1000. This would make it the most affordable Mac laptop Apple has offered in years.
Caption – MacBook Pro. (Image credit – Apple)
Gurman writes, “Code-named J700, the machine is currently in active testing at Apple and in early production with overseas suppliers. The Cupertino, California-based company plans to launch it in the first half of next year, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the product hasn’t been announced. […] Apple plans to sell the new machine for well under $1,000 by using less-advanced components. The laptop will rely on an iPhone processor and a lower-end LCD display. The screen will also be the smallest of any current Mac, coming in at slightly below the 13.6-inch one used in the MacBook Air.”
Rumours of this low-cost MacBook first surfaced earlier this year when supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that Apple was developing a MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip, the same chip used in the iPhone 16 Pro. Kuo also mentioned that production could begin in late 2025 or early 2026.
Currently, Apple’s lowest-priced Mac desktop, the M4 Mac mini, starts at $599. The company’s Mac notebooks typically begin around $1000. The only notable exception is the M1 MacBook Air, which remains available exclusively through Walmart for $649 and often drops below $600 during sales. That model features a 13.3-inch display.
In comparison, the M4 MacBook Air starts at $999, or $899 for education customers. Retailers like Amazon frequently list it for $799, but those discounts are not offered directly by Apple.
If Apple decides to sell this upcoming cheaper MacBook through its official online and retail stores, it would represent a significant shift in its pricing approach. Currently, Apple only offers lower prices on refurbished hardware, never on brand-new products sold directly through its stores.
Positioned as an iPad Alternative
Caption – MacBook Pro display. (Image credit – Apple)
Adding more, Gurman describes the new MacBook as an alternative to the iPad. It is revealed that many iPads paired with accessories like a keyboard and trackpad are priced similarly to entry-level MacBook Air models. The A-series MacBook is expected to compete directly with budget Windows laptops and Chromebooks, appealing to students and casual users.
While Bloomberg’s report doesn’t specify which processor Apple will use, earlier leaks suggested it could feature the A18 Pro chip. Apple has since introduced the A19 Pro, which powers the latest iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air, so the final configuration could depend on the production timeline.
A First for Apple’s Mac Lineup
Caption – MacBook Pro design. (Image credit – Apple)
If launched, this laptop would be the first Mac to use an iPhone processor, instead of a chip built specifically for macOS devices. Internal testing reportedly shows that the iPhone chip can outperform the M1 processor, which powered MacBooks just a few years ago.
Apple’s recent financial results reflect steady Mac demand with Mac sales reaching $8.73 billion in the fourth quarter. It is slightly above Wall Street’s estimates of $8.59 billion. The company also forecasted strong iPhone and overall revenue growth for the holiday season.
Meanwhile, Apple recently unveiled its first M5-powered devices including the M5 14-inch MacBook Pro, M5 iPad Pro (11-inch and 13-inch), and M5 Apple Vision Pro. The company is expected to release the M5 MacBook Air in early 2026, followed by new M6 Pro and M6 Max hardware. Updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are also anticipated to launch in early 2025.
FAQs
Q1. What is Apple’s upcoming budget MacBook and when will it launch?
Answer. Apple is developing a low-cost MacBook, code-named J700, expected to launch in the first half of 2026. It will be priced well under $1000 and is currently in active testing and early production.
Q2. What processor will the budget MacBook use?
Answer. Unlike traditional Macs, this model will use an A-series chip similar to those in iPhones such as the A18 Pro or possibly the newer A19 Pro, making it the first Mac to run on an iPhone-class processor.
Q3. Who is the budget MacBook designed for?
Answer. Apple is positioning this MacBook as an iPad alternative, targeting students and casual users. It’s expected to compete with Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops by offering a compact design and affordable pricing.