According to a Bloomberg report cited by Reuters, Apple is working on a new Mac model priced well below the $1,000 mark as the company is surprisingly preparing to enter the low-cost laptop market. The device, code-named J700 is expected to launch in the first half of next year. This will mark Apple's first direct attempt to enter the budget segment dominated by Chromebooks and entry-level Windows PCs. The product is targeted at students, businesses and general consumers, featuring less advanced components and building materials to keep costs down. The laptop is said to use an iPhone-class processor rather than a Mac-specific chip, along with a smaller LCD slightly under 13.6 inches, making it the most compact Mac currently in development. Early testing reportedly shows the smartphone processor outperforming Apple's first-generation M1 chip.

The device is designed to appeal to users who primarily browse the web, work with documents, or handle light media editing, as well as potential iPad buyers seeking a traditional laptop form factor. Production is already underway with Apple's overseas suppliers, and the company aims to position the new MacBook well below the $999 M4 MacBook Air, which currently stands as Apple's most affordable laptop. Back in August, we reported that Apple was developing a budget 12.9-inch MacBook priced between $599 and $699, powered by the A18 Pro iPhone chip. The model was expected to enter production in late 2025 with a thin, lightweight design and limited features compared to M-series Macs. For now, it's unclear whether those early rumors will match the final hardware configuration, as Apple may have made changes in the meantime.