According to ZDNet, Apple is actively testing a budget MacBook codenamed J700 that could launch between $599 and $699 in the first half of 2026. The device would use iPhone A-series processors instead of M-series chips and feature a smaller 12.9-inch LCD display rather than premium Retina screens. Apple insider Mark Gurman reports it’s designed for students, businesses, and casual users who primarily browse and do light document work. The company specifically wants to target would-be iPad buyers and people considering Chromebooks or midrange Windows PCs. Production is currently in early stages with overseas suppliers, and the laptop might come in multiple colors including Pink, Blue, Silver, and Yellow.
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Why Apple‘s Going Budget Now
Here’s the thing – Apple has always positioned itself as a premium brand. They’ve historically avoided chasing market share with cheaper products. But the timing here is absolutely perfect. Windows 10 support just ended in October 2025, and Microsoft is pushing everyone toward Windows 11. Lots of people aren’t happy about that upgrade – we’re already seeing some jump to Linux instead.
So Apple sees an opening. They’re basically saying, “Hey, instead of dealing with Windows 11 or settling for a Chromebook, how about a proper Mac experience for Chromebook prices?” At $600-$700, this would be significantly cheaper than the M4 MacBook Air’s $999 starting price. That’s a massive psychological barrier they’d be breaking through.
What You’re Giving Up
Now, to hit that price point, there are definitely compromises. The A19 Pro chip reportedly lacks Thunderbolt support according to Ming-Chi Kuo, meaning you’d only get regular USB-C ports. That’s a big deal for people who need multiple monitor support or lightning-fast data transfer. And you’re getting an LCD screen instead of the beautiful Retina displays Apple users are accustomed to.
But honestly? For students and casual users who just need something for browsing, documents, and light media? These compromises might not matter at all. Most Chromebook buyers aren’t worried about Thunderbolt ports. They just want something that works reliably and doesn’t cost a fortune.
When We Might Actually See This
The timeline has apparently shifted a bit. Originally, DigiTimes suggested components might enter mass production in late 2025 with a late 2025 or early 2026 launch. Now Gurman says first half of 2026. That pushback isn’t surprising – Apple tends to take their time with new product categories, even budget ones.
What’s interesting is that this isn’t Apple’s only experimental hardware in the works. Kuo also mentioned smart glasses coming in 2027 that would function similarly to Meta Ray-Bans. But honestly? The budget MacBook feels like the bigger deal. It could fundamentally change who buys Apple products and where they compete.
The Chromebook and Windows Threat
Look, if Apple actually pulls this off, it’s going to cause serious problems for Chromebooks and midrange Windows laptops. Imagine a parent shopping for their kid’s school computer. For the same price as a decent Chromebook, they could get a Mac. That’s a no-brainer for many people.
The education market has been dominated by Chromebooks for years because of their price point. Businesses buy thousands of midrange Windows laptops for similar reasons. If Apple can genuinely compete at that price while maintaining the Mac experience? Basically, they’re about to enter markets they’ve never seriously competed in before. And that should worry everyone else in the laptop business.
