Core Viewpoint - Apple is planning to release more affordable Mac laptops, potentially priced around $599, to compete with budget-friendly Chromebooks and Windows laptops, with a launch as early as 2026 [1][2][10]. Product Development - The new laptop, codenamed J700, is in early production and aims to be priced "well under $1,000" [2]. - The design may feature a smaller LCD display, potentially around 12 inches, compared to the 13.6-inch MacBook Air [3]. - Cost reduction strategies may include using a lower-end A-series iPhone chip, which could provide MacBook-level performance [4][5]. Target Market - The affordable MacBook is aimed at casual users, students, and businesses, particularly those needing devices for web browsing, light media editing, and document creation [6]. - The education market is a significant focus, as Chromebooks have dominated this segment since the pandemic [9]. Market Positioning - A $599 price point would align the new MacBook with affordable Chromebooks and entry-level laptops, marking a significant shift from Apple's traditional pricing strategy [10]. - Currently, the most affordable MacBook, the M4 MacBook Air, starts at $999, highlighting the potential market gap [11]. - The move to introduce a lower-cost MacBook is seen as timely, given economic pressures on consumers [12].