Intro
Apple is preparing to enter the budget laptop market for the first time with a more affordable Mac designed to compete with Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops. This marks a notable departure from Apple’s typical high-end offerings.
What We Know About Apple’s New Cheap Mac
Currently dubbed J700, this budget-friendly Mac is undergoing testing and production in small batches by Apple’s overseas suppliers, with a planned release in the first half of 2026. This model targets students, businesses, and casual users looking for a laptop for web browsing, document work, and video streaming. Essentially, Apple aims to attract iPad users who prefer a laptop equipped with a keyboard and trackpad.
What It’ll Be Like
- Chip: The device will feature a chip similar to those found in iPhones, with early tests suggesting it outperforms the M1 chip.
- Screen: It will have a display smaller than 13.6 inches, making it the smallest screen on any Mac to date.
- Design: The design will be entirely new rather than a rehash of the MacBook Air model.
- Price: It is expected to be priced around $600, making it the cheapest Mac ever produced.
To keep costs down, Apple plans to use simpler components, but the device will still maintain the premium look associated with the Mac brand.
Going After the Chromebook Crowd
Apple is motivated to enter this market since Chromebooks have gained significant traction in schools, and some PC users are growing frustrated with Windows 11. If Apple delivers a reliable computer priced under $1,000, it has the potential to disrupt a market currently dominated by HP, Dell, and Lenovo.
How the Market Reacted
Following the announcement, HP and Dell saw a slight decline in their stock prices, while Apple’s stock increased marginally to $270.25. Currently, Apple holds about 9% of the global PC market, putting it in fourth place. Analysts believe this new budget model could help Apple boost sales, particularly among students and small businesses seeking affordable and dependable computers.
Apple’s Mac Plans for 2026
The cheap Mac is part of a broader strategy for 2026, which includes:
- M5 MacBook Air (early 2026)
- M5 Pro & M5 Max MacBook Pros
- New Mac mini and Mac Studio models
- A redesigned M6 MacBook Pro featuring an OLED touchscreen (2026-2027)
Money Stuff
Apple’s Mac business saw a 13% revenue increase last quarter, generating $8.73 billion and making it the fastest-growing segment of Apple’s hardware business. However, Apple anticipates a slowdown as it transitions to M5 chips and prepares to launch its budget Mac.
