According to ZDNet, Apple is developing a budget MacBook codenamed J700 that could launch in the first half of 2026 for under $1,000, with DigiTimes sources suggesting a $599-$699 price range. The device will reportedly use an A18 Pro or A19 Pro iPhone processor instead of M-series chips and feature a 12.9-inch LCD display smaller than the MacBook Air’s screen. Apple insider Ming-Chi Kuo first revealed the project back in July, while Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently confirmed active testing and early production. The laptop targets students, businesses, and casual users who might otherwise buy Chromebooks or iPads, and could come in colors like Pink, Blue, Silver, and Yellow.
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Why Apple’s going budget now
Here’s the thing – Apple has always positioned itself as a premium brand. They’ve famously avoided chasing market share with cheaper products. But the market is changing, and Apple seems to be feeling the pressure. With Windows 10 support ending and many users resisting the upgrade to Windows 11, there’s a massive opportunity to capture budget-conscious buyers. And let’s be honest – Chromebooks have been eating Apple’s lunch in education and casual markets for years. This move feels like Apple finally admitting they need to compete in spaces they’ve traditionally ignored.
What you’re giving up for that lower price
So what’s the catch? Basically, you’re getting iPhone-level hardware in a laptop form factor. That means no Thunderbolt support according to rumors, which could be a dealbreaker for power users who need multiple monitor support or lightning-fast data transfer. You’re also getting a standard LCD screen instead of Apple’s fancy Liquid Retina displays. And the smaller 12.9-inch display might feel cramped compared to the 13.6-inch MacBook Air. But for students and casual users who mainly browse the web and work on documents? These compromises might not matter much.
The bigger picture for Apple
This isn’t just about one cheap laptop – it’s about Apple’s entire strategy shifting. They’re reportedly working on smart glasses for 2027 that function similarly to Meta Ray-Bans, according to Ming-Chi Kuo’s tweets. And they’re clearly rethinking their product segmentation. The question is whether Apple can maintain its premium brand identity while chasing budget buyers. Can they create a “cheap” MacBook that doesn’t feel cheap? That’s the challenge they’ll face when this thing launches in 2026.
Who actually wins here?
Look, if Apple can deliver a solid MacBook experience for $600, it could seriously disrupt the entire laptop market. Chromebooks would suddenly face real competition from a brand people actually want. Windows laptop makers would need to step up their game. And consumers? They’d get access to macOS without paying the typical Apple premium. The timing couldn’t be better with the Windows 10 to 11 transition creating so much frustration. This might just be the most interesting product Apple has released in years – if they get the execution right.
