Apple is reportedly developing a more affordable Mac notebook, designed to compete head-on with Chromebooks and budget Windows PCs. According to a new Bloomberg report, the device is planned for release in the first half of 2026 and could be priced “well under $1,000”, a dramatic shift from the company’s long-standing premium-only strategy.
A Mac For The Masses
The new model, currently under the codename J700, is expected to feature a smaller, lower-cost LCD screen, likely around 12 inches, and will be powered not by an M-series chip, but by one of Apple’s A-series iPhone processors. Bloomberg and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggest the company will use the A18 Pro chip first seen in the iPhone 16 Pro lineup, giving it more than enough power for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and document editing.
That’s a striking change for Apple, which has reserved its A-series chips for mobile devices until now. But early testing reportedly shows that the A18 Pro can outperform Apple’s M1 chip, which powered Macs as recently as a few years ago.
In other words, the first “iPhone-powered” Mac may be more capable than anyone expects.
A Fresh Design and Bright Colors
Insiders say the upcoming laptop will debut with a completely new design, including colorful finishes reminiscent of the 24-inch iMac, possibly in Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow. It won’t replace any existing Mac model; instead, it will complement Apple’s mainstream lineup, sitting below the MacBook Air in both price and performance.
This machine is clearly aimed at students, schools, and light users who want a macOS device but have found the MacBook Air’s $999 price tag out of reach. Apple reportedly views this as a direct competitor to Chromebooks, which dominate the education sector, and entry-level Windows laptops from Lenovo, Dell, and HP.
The iPad Factor
Interestingly, the new Mac may also blur the line between iPad and Mac. At roughly $599–$699, it would land in the same range as an iPad 11th Gen with a Magic Keyboard, offering buyers a true laptop experience for about the same price. This could make it a natural replacement for the iPad plus keyboard combo many students currently use as a “budget Mac.”
Apple’s push toward affordability may be a response to current economic realities: inflation, high import tariffs, and a slowdown in consumer electronics spending. By dipping into the $600–$800 range, Apple could tap into new demand while protecting its ecosystem from cheaper rivals.
A Changing Strategy
Apple has long resisted chasing the low-cost PC market, preferring to position Macs as premium devices. But the landscape has changed. With global Chromebook shipments still strong and Windows PC makers aggressively cutting prices, Apple’s premium-only approach has left a gap at the entry level, one that competitors have been quick to fill.
“Apple potentially dipping into the Chromebook range of $300 to $500 with a new MacBook is a big departure,” noted Goldman Sachs analyst Sam Goldman. “But it’s also a strategic necessity if Apple wants to grow its market share among younger users and schools.”
Next-Gen Macs Still Coming
While this new budget Mac will target value-conscious users, Apple’s higher-end lineup is moving forward in parallel. Bloomberg reports that Apple has already finished development on an M5-powered MacBook Air and is working on MacBook Pro models featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, all expected in early 2026.
This means Apple’s notebook strategy for 2026 could include three tiers:
- A colorful, A18 Pro-powered entry-level Mac for students and light users.
- A mainstream M5 MacBook Air for professionals and creators.
- High-end MacBook Pros for advanced workloads and AI development.
A Strategic Gamble
If Apple really prices this new Mac “well under $1,000,” it could mark one of the most radical shifts in the Mac’s 40-year history. A $599–$699 Mac would not only undercut the MacBook Air but could also put pressure on iPad sales, raising questions about product overlap.
Still, it’s easy to see the appeal. For schools and casual users, the idea of an Apple laptop, complete with macOS, a full keyboard, and long battery life, at Chromebook prices could be irresistible.
With 2026 shaping up to be a turning point for Apple’s computing lineup, the question isn’t whether people will buy a cheaper Mac; it’s how fast it’ll sell out.
