Apple is testing a cheaper MacBook with an iPhone chip, as per a report by Bloomberg’s Gurman. It claims that the notebook is in an early production stage and that Apple plans a launch in the first half of 2026. It also mentions the display and the expected pricing of the device.
2026’s entry-level MacBook’s key details emerge
According to the report, this new notebook with internal codename J700 will run on an A-series iPhone processor instead of Apple’s usual M-series chips. It will use a lower-end LCD screen that’s slightly smaller than the current 13.6-inch MacBook Air. Designed mainly for casual users, students, and business customers, the laptop is aimed at those who rely on their computers for web browsing, document work, and light multimedia tasks.
The model is expected to sell for well under $1,000, positioning it as a direct rival to Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops. While the exact name of the device is not known yet, it could end up as a MacBook Air series product.
Earlier speculation by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that the machine could feature Apple’s A18 Pro chip, the same one used in the iPhone 16 Pro. If true, performance levels could be comparable to the older M1 MacBook Air, offering capable everyday performance with improved efficiency. The report adds that Apple may adopt less-advanced components to keep costs down while maintaining the signature Mac experience.
A lower-cost MacBook could signal a major shift in Apple’s strategy, broadening its reach into the entry-level computing segment that has so far been dominated by Chromebooks. It could also appeal to users who find iPads too limited but are unwilling to spend on the MacBook Air. If Apple launches the device through its own retail channels, it may mark a rare instance of the company offering a genuinely budget-friendly product in its core lineup.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Stay ahead in tech! Join our Telegram community and sign up for our daily newsletter of top stories.
(source)
Comments