Apple Is Reportedly Developing a Low-Cost Mac

Summary

• Apple is reportedly developing a new low-cost Mac, codenamed J700, to compete with budget PCs and Chromebooks
• The machine is expected to be priced around $600 USD and aims for students and casual users
• To achieve the lower price, it will utilize an iPhone processor and a more affordable LCD display

Apple is reportedly developing a low-cost Mac that could rival the price points of Chromebooks and budget Windows PCs.

Sources tell Bloomberg that the machine, referred to as J700, is aimed at users who mainly surf the web, create documents or casually edit media. “Students, businesses and casual users” were the demographics in mind during its creation, as well customers interested in the iPad but may want a more traditional laptop instead. Its size will be a tiny bit smaller than the MacBook Air’s 13.6-inch screen.

Apple will reportedly price the machine at around $600 USD — similar to the entry-level iPad and a Magic Keyboard Folio combination. The tech giant is able to lower the machine’s price by utilizing a more affordable LCD display, and an iPhone processor instead of the traditional Mac chip. Bloomberg adds that results from previous tests show that the iPhone chip can actually “perform better” than the Mac’s recent M1 processor. The new Mac can offer users improved battery life, the macOS software and a keyboard to consumers considering an iPad setup.

J700 is currently being tested at Apple and is in “early productions” with suppliers abroad. A possible launch date could be scheduled for the first half of 2026.

Apple declined to comment.

Stay tuned for more info.