Apple appears to be preparing a major move in the budget laptop segment as reports indicate that the company is working on a more affordable MacBook aimed at students and cost conscious users. This device is expected to appeal to buyers who often choose Windows laptops or Chromebooks instead of premium MacBooks.
The company has seen an increase in MacBook sales, yet its lineup still consists mainly of higher end models such as the base M4 MacBook Air. To close this gap, Apple is said to be developing a new model that could be priced under 1000 dollars in the United States. A report mentioned that Apple will use less advanced components to keep costs down and that the device will run on an iPhone chipset. Earlier expectations suggested that the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro might be used.
While some may question how an iPhone chip would perform in a laptop, the report noted that the chipset may deliver better performance than the M1 chip. The upcoming MacBook is also expected to feature a lower end LCD panel compared to the 13.6 inch display found in the current MacBook Air.
Apple is clearly targeting students with this product. Many users in this price range typically choose laptops around 600 dollars, and Apple aims to offer a competitive option. Data from a common market research firm showed that Apple held a 9 percent share of the global PC market in the third quarter of 2025, placing it behind Lenovo, HP and Dell.
Although some consumers pair an iPad with a keyboard to lower costs, the new MacBook could provide longer battery life and more versatility at a similar price. The device is reportedly in early production and being tested under the codename J700. It is expected to launch in the first half of 2026 and could be priced at around 600 dollars in the United States. Pricing details for India are not yet available.
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