According to engadget, Apple is preparing to launch its first low-cost Mac laptop in the first half of 2026, with production already underway at overseas suppliers. The company aims to target Chromebook and cheap Windows PC users, specifically focusing on students, casual users, and businesses who primarily use laptops for web browsing and document work. The device will feature a new design with a lower-end LCD display smaller than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air and will run on an A-series iPhone processor that reportedly outperforms the M1 chip. Apple plans to price it “well under $1,000” to compete effectively in the budget market. The timing coincides with Microsoft ending Windows 10 support, potentially creating a wave of users needing new devices.
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Why This Timing Makes Sense
Here’s the thing—Apple‘s premium-only strategy has served them well, but they’ve been completely absent from the massive budget education and entry-level markets. Chromebooks absolutely dominate schools, and cheap Windows laptops flood the small business sector. With Windows 10 support ending in 2025, there’s going to be a huge refresh cycle of devices that can’t upgrade to Windows 11. That’s millions of potential customers suddenly in the market for something new. And Apple wants to be there with an affordable option.
The Inevitable Compromises
So how do you make a MacBook for potentially $700 or less? You cut corners everywhere. That “lower-end LCD display” probably means thicker bezels and less vibrant colors than we’re used to on MacBooks. The A-series processor from iPhones? That’s actually pretty clever—Apple already manufactures those in massive quantities, so they can keep costs down while still delivering decent performance for basic tasks. But let’s be real—this won’t be a machine for video editing or heavy multitasking. It’s basically Apple saying “here’s a computer that runs macOS and does the internet well.”
The Price Problem
Now here’s where it gets tricky. Chromebooks regularly sell for $200-400. Even “premium” Chromebooks top out around $600. For Apple to hit “well under $1,000,” they’d need to be in the $600-700 range to even be competitive. But can Apple actually build a laptop that cheap without compromising their brand? And more importantly—will people used to spending $300 on a laptop suddenly pay double for the Apple logo? That’s the billion-dollar question. The ecosystem lock-in is powerful, but price sensitivity in this market is extreme.
Bigger Than Just Laptops
This move isn’t just about competing with Chromebooks—it’s about pulling people into the Apple ecosystem who would never consider spending $1,000+ on a computer. Get someone a $700 MacBook, and suddenly they’re more likely to buy an iPhone, AirPods, maybe an iPad. It’s a gateway drug. And for those considering an iPad with keyboard? This gives them a traditional laptop experience at a similar price point. The risk is cannibalizing their own premium products, but the potential reward is capturing an entire market segment Apple has ignored for decades.
