BusinessLineยท2025-11-04 17:22Core Insights - Apple Inc. is entering the low-cost laptop market with a budget Mac aimed at students, businesses, and casual users, targeting customers of Chromebooks and entry-level Windows PCs [1][4] - The new device, code-named J700, is in active testing and early production, with plans for a launch in the first half of next year [2] - This move represents a strategic shift for Apple, which has historically focused on premium devices and has avoided lower-end offerings [3] Product Details - The new laptop will be priced well under $1,000, utilizing less advanced components, including an iPhone processor and a lower-end LCD display [5][6] - The device will feature the smallest screen of any current Mac, slightly below 13.6 inches [5] - This will be the first instance of Apple using an iPhone processor in a Mac, which has shown performance advantages over previous Mac-optimized chips [6] Market Context - Apple faces increasing competition from Chromebooks and has an opportunity to attract Windows users dissatisfied with Microsoft's recent updates [4] - The current cheapest Mac is priced at $999, while Chromebooks can start at a few hundred dollars, highlighting the competitive pricing landscape [8] - Apple's entry-level iPad setup is popular in schools, and the new Mac could appeal to similar demographics by offering better battery life and macOS flexibility [9] Market Position - Apple held approximately 9% of the global PC market in Q3, ranking fourth behind Lenovo, HP, and Dell [10] - The Mac segment was the fastest-growing hardware category for Apple last quarter, with revenue rising 13% to $8.73 billion [11] Future Plans - Apple has a roadmap for multiple product updates in 2026, including the new low-end laptop and various M5-powered devices [12]