Apple(US:AAPL) Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-11-05 02:56Core Viewpoint - Apple is shifting its strategy by entering the low-cost laptop market with a new Mac model aimed at attracting customers from Chromebook and entry-level Windows PCs [1][2]. Group 1: Product Development - The new Mac, codenamed J700, is designed for students, businesses, and general users who primarily browse the web, process documents, or perform light media editing [1]. - The laptop is expected to be priced below $1,000 by using lower-spec components, including a low-power iPhone processor and a mid-range LCD display [3]. - This will be the first time Apple uses an iPhone processor in a Mac laptop, which is expected to outperform older Mac-optimized chips [3]. Group 2: Market Context - Apple has historically focused on high-margin products but is now responding to the growing threat from low-cost Chromebooks and the opportunity to attract Windows users [2]. - The current cheapest Mac product is priced at $999, while Chromebooks can start at a few hundred dollars [4]. - Apple's entry into the low-cost segment could help increase its PC market share, which is currently around 9%, ranking fourth behind Lenovo, HP, and Dell [6]. Group 3: Financial Implications - The Mac business has seen a revenue growth of approximately 13%, reaching $8.73 billion, making it the fastest-growing hardware category for Apple [6]. - The introduction of a more affordable Mac could stimulate new adoption waves, particularly in the U.S. market where iPhone dominance exists [6]. Group 4: Future Product Roadmap - Apple plans to release several new products, including the M5 MacBook Air and updates to the Mac mini and Mac Studio, with a new MacBook Pro featuring an OLED touchscreen expected in late 2026 or early 2027 [7].