According to engadget, Apple is preparing to debut its first low-cost Mac laptop in the first half of 2026, with the system already in early production at overseas suppliers. The company is testing these devices internally and aims to compete directly with Chromebooks and cheap Windows PCs. The laptop will feature a new design with a lower-end LCD display and potentially run on an A-series iPhone processor that outperforms the M1 chip. Apple is targeting this device at students, casual users, and businesses who need machines for basic tasks like web browsing and document editing. Crucially, the company plans to price it “well under $1,000” to make it competitive in the budget laptop market where Chromebooks often sell for just a few hundred dollars.
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<h2 id="apple-budget-strategy”>Apple’s surprising budget play
This is genuinely interesting because Apple has spent decades building its premium-only reputation. They’ve never really competed in the budget space before – even their “affordable” products still cost significantly more than competitors. But here’s the thing: the timing might actually be perfect. Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 soon, which means millions of people and businesses will need to replace their aging laptops. If Apple can offer something compelling at, say, $700, they could scoop up a ton of users who would never consider paying $1,000+ for a MacBook.
Who would actually buy this?
Think about the education market, which Chromebooks absolutely dominate. Schools can’t afford to buy MacBooks for every student, but they might consider these budget Macs if the price is right. Then there are all those people who’ve been eyeing iPads but secretly want a “real” laptop. And honestly? There are probably millions of Windows users who’d love to try macOS but can’t justify the premium price tag. This could be Apple’s gateway drug into new markets they’ve never really touched before.
The big price problem
But let’s be real – “well under $1,000” doesn’t exactly scream “budget” when you can get perfectly decent Chromebooks for $300. Even if Apple hits $700, that’s still more than twice what many schools and budget-conscious consumers pay for laptops. The real question is whether Apple can deliver enough value to justify that premium. Will people pay extra just for the Apple logo and macOS? Maybe. But they’ll need to make some serious compromises on materials and features to hit that price point while still maintaining that “Apple experience” people expect.
What this means for everyone else
If Apple actually pulls this off, it could seriously disrupt the entire entry-level laptop market. Chromebook makers would suddenly have real competition in education and business sectors. Windows laptop manufacturers would need to step up their game at the lower end. And honestly? It might force everyone to improve their budget offerings, which would be great for consumers. But the biggest winner could be Apple’s ecosystem – getting more people into their walled garden means more potential customers for everything from iCloud to Apple Music to future hardware upgrades.
