2026 could see Apple enter the low-cost laptop market for the first time. Photo: Apple
The low-cost laptop market, which is currently dominated by Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops, could see a new competitor next year.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is working on a budget MacBook aimed at students, businesses, and casual users. Codenamed J700, the device is said to be in active testing and early production with suppliers, with a launch expected in the first half of 2026.
Apple is reportedly targeting a price below US$1,000 (~S$1,308) for its budget MacBook. It is rumoured to be powered by an iPhone chip, and will feature a lower-quality LCD panel. Rumours also say it will have the smallest display of any existing Mac.
Reports of a low-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip first surfaced in July. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that the device will feature a 13-inch display, an A18 Pro chip, and four colour options. DigiTimes, however, estimates that prices could start between US$599 and US$699 (~S$771 and ~S$900).
