According to engadget, Apple is preparing to launch its first low-cost Mac laptop in the first half of 2026. The company is already testing these devices internally and has started early production with overseas suppliers. This budget laptop will feature a new design with a lower-end LCD display and is expected to run on an A-series iPhone processor that outperforms the M1 chip. Apple plans to price it “well under $1,000” to compete directly with Chromebooks and cheap Windows PCs. The system specifically targets casual users, students, and businesses who primarily use laptops for web browsing, document work, and light media editing.
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A major strategic pivot
This is honestly huge for Apple. They’ve built their entire Mac business around premium pricing and high margins. Now they’re potentially entering the same price territory as $600 Chromebooks and budget Windows laptops. That’s a massive shift in strategy.
Here’s the thing though – can Apple actually compete at that price point without sacrificing too much? Chromebooks often sell for just a few hundred dollars, and even premium Chromebooks top out around $600. For Apple to make a real splash, they’d probably need to hit $700 or less. That’s a tough ask given their usual component quality and build standards.
Who actually buys this?
Apple seems to be targeting three main groups: students, casual users, and people who might otherwise buy an iPad but prefer a traditional laptop. That last one is particularly interesting. Basically, they’re trying to catch customers before they leave the Apple ecosystem entirely.
And the timing? It’s actually pretty smart. Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10, which means millions of people with older PCs will need to upgrade soon. If Apple can offer an affordable Mac option, they might just convert some lifelong Windows users.
What we know about the specs
The A-series processor is a fascinating choice. Using iPhone chips in Macs isn’t new – Apple’s been moving toward ARM architecture for years. But putting what’s essentially a phone processor in a laptop? That could mean serious battery life improvements, though performance for more demanding tasks might be limited.
The smaller display and lower-end LCD also suggest Apple is making some compromises to hit that price point. But let’s be real – even a “budget” Apple display will probably still look better than most cheap Windows laptops.
So will this actually work? It depends entirely on execution. If Apple can deliver that magical Apple experience at half the usual price, they could seriously disrupt the entire entry-level laptop market. But if it feels cheap or underpowered? That could damage the premium brand they’ve spent decades building.
