Apple Reportedly Developing Affordable Mac Laptop to rival Chromebooks and entry-level Windows PCs; Expected launch in 2026
Apple is reportedly gearing up to enter the budget laptop segment for the first time with a new, affordable Mac model designed for students, small businesses, and everyday consumers. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this upcoming device will serve as an accessible alternative to Chromebooks and entry-level Windows PCs.
Target Audience and Launch Timeline -
Codenamed J700, the new Mac is aimed at users who primarily browse the web, work on documents, attend online classes, or do light media editing. It’s also expected to appeal to iPad users seeking a more traditional laptop with an integrated keyboard. The model is currently undergoing testing and early production with overseas suppliers and is expected to debut in the first half of 2026, marking a strategic expansion beyond Apple’s traditionally premium lineup.
Design, Components, and Pricing -
To maintain affordability, the budget Mac will reportedly feature less-advanced components, including a smaller LCD screen than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air and an iPhone chip instead of Apple’s Mac-specific M-series processors — a first for the company. Early tests suggest the smartphone chip outperforms the M1 found in older Macs.
Pricing is expected to fall between $600 and $800, placing it below the $999 M4 MacBook Air (or $899 for education customers) and positioning it competitively against Chromebooks and budget Windows laptops typically priced from $300 to $600.
Market Context and Ecosystem Benefits -
Apple’s move comes amid rising Chromebook adoption in education and as the Windows 11 transition encourages some PC users to explore alternatives. The company has experimented with lower pricing before — such as the M1 MacBook Air, which retailed for under $700 at Walmart — but this new model represents a purpose-built low-cost design.
For education, Apple’s entry-level iPad with Magic Keyboard Folio costs around $600, but the upcoming Mac could deliver better battery life, an integrated keyboard, and full macOS functionality, offering stronger appeal to students and general users within the Apple ecosystem.
Market Share and 2026 Roadmap -
Apple currently commands about 9% of the global PC market, ranking fourth behind Lenovo, HP, and Dell (IDC, Q3 2025). The Mac division remains one of Apple’s fastest-growing hardware categories, generating $8.73 billion in revenue, up 13% year-over-year last quarter.
Apple’s reported 2026 Mac roadmap includes -
- M5 MacBook Air (early 2026)
- M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros
- M5 and M5 Pro Mac mini models
- M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac Studio updates
- M6 MacBook Pro with OLED touchscreen (late 2026 or early 2027)
- Two new external Mac displays
Outlook -
If launched as planned, the budget Mac could broaden Apple’s user base by appealing to students and mainstream consumers, while deepening engagement across its ecosystem. It would also represent Apple’s strongest challenge yet to Chromebooks and low-cost Windows laptops, signaling a new chapter in the company’s hardware strategy.
