According to ZDNet, Apple is actively testing a budget MacBook codenamed J700 that could launch in the first half of 2026 at prices between $599 and $699. The device would use iPhone processors like the A18 Pro instead of M-series chips and feature a smaller 12.9-inch LCD display rather than premium Liquid Retina screens. Apple insider Mark Gurman reports this “more-affordable MacBook” targets students, businesses, and casual users who might otherwise buy Chromebooks or midrange Windows PCs. Ming-Chi Kuo originally revealed the project back in July, and now production appears to be moving forward with suppliers. The laptop is expected to come in multiple colors including Pink, Blue, Silver, and Yellow, breaking from Apple’s traditional design aesthetic.
Why this timing makes sense
Here’s the thing – Apple couldn’t be picking a better moment to enter the budget laptop space. Windows 10 support just ended in October 2025, leaving millions of users facing an upgrade to Windows 11 that many don’t want. People are already jumping ship to Linux rather than dealing with Microsoft’s latest OS. And Chromebooks, while popular in education, have their limitations. So Apple sees an opening to grab users who want something simple, reliable, and affordable.
But wait – hasn’t Apple always been about premium products? Absolutely. Gurman actually reminds us that Apple once vowed “not to chase market share with lower-end offerings.” That philosophy seems to be changing as the company realizes there’s a massive market segment they’re completely missing. Basically, they’re leaving money on the table by not competing in the sub-$700 space.
The trade-offs are real
Now, to hit that $599 price point, Apple has to make some compromises. We’re talking about an iPhone processor instead of an M-series chip, which honestly might be fine for web browsing and documents. The display will be LCD rather than the gorgeous Retina screens we’re used to. And according to MacRumors, the A19 Pro chip lacks Thunderbolt support – meaning you’ll get regular USB-C ports without those lightning-fast data transfer speeds or multiple monitor support.
Is that a dealbreaker? For most casual users, probably not. Students writing papers and browsing the web don’t need Thunderbolt. Businesses buying laptops for basic office work won’t miss Liquid Retina displays. The real question is whether Apple can maintain that “it just works” experience while cutting costs. Because if this feels cheap or sluggish, it could hurt the brand’s premium reputation.
Bigger strategy at play
Look, this isn’t just about selling more laptops. Apple’s playing a longer game here. They want to hook people into the ecosystem early. A student who gets a $600 MacBook might later upgrade to a MacBook Pro, buy an iPhone, get AirPods – you see the pattern. It’s about customer acquisition at the entry level.
And let’s not forget the iPad angle. Gurman says Apple is specifically targeting “would-be iPad buyers” who might prefer a traditional laptop experience. That’s fascinating because it suggests even Apple recognizes that sometimes a laptop just works better than a tablet with a keyboard attachment. They’re basically competing with themselves, but strategically steering users toward the product that makes more sense for their needs.
Meanwhile, Ming-Chi Kuo’s original tweet from July seems to be holding up pretty well. The man knows his Apple rumors. And if both he and Gurman are reporting similar details, there’s likely real substance here.
What comes next
So when can we expect this budget MacBook? The timeline has apparently shifted from late 2025/early 2026 to just “first half of 2026.” That suggests Apple is taking their time to get this right – which they should, because a botched entry into the budget market could backfire spectacularly.
Interestingly, Kuo also mentioned Apple’s working on smart glasses for 2027 that sound similar to Meta’s Ray-Bans. But that’s a story for another day. For now, the budget MacBook represents one of Apple’s most significant strategic shifts in years. They’re finally acknowledging that not everyone can afford – or needs – a $1,000+ laptop. And in today’s economic climate, that might be the smartest move they’ve made in a while.
