Apple Is Planning Cheaper Macs That Compete With Budget Chromebooks and PCs, Report Says

Core Insights - Apple is planning to release more affordable Mac laptops, potentially priced under $1,000, to compete with budget-friendly Chromebooks and Windows laptops as early as 2026 [1] - The new laptop, codenamed J700, is in early production and may be priced around $599, allowing Apple to directly compete in the low-cost segment [1][9] Product Specifications - The new affordable MacBook may feature a smaller LCD display, potentially around 12 inches, compared to the 13.6-inch MacBook Air [2] - Cost reduction strategies may include using an A-series iPhone chip, which may be a variant of the A19 Pro chip, offering MacBook-level performance but lower than the M4 Air [3][4] Target Market - The affordable laptop is aimed at casual users, students, and businesses, particularly those needing devices for web browsing, light media editing, and document creation [5] - Apple is also targeting the education market, where Chromebooks have gained significant traction since the pandemic [8] Market Positioning - A $599 price point would position the new MacBook alongside affordable Chromebooks and entry-level laptops, marking a significant shift from Apple's traditional pricing strategy [9][11] - Historically, Apple has not focused on the lower-priced segment, but the current economic pressures on consumers may necessitate this strategic shift [11]