Apple Reportedly Preparing a Low-Cost MacBook for 2026 Starting at Just $599

Apple may soon redefine affordability in its laptop lineup. According to reliable industry sources, the tech giant is reportedly developing a new low-cost MacBook expected to launch in 2026, with a starting price as low as $599. If true, this would mark Apple’s most affordable MacBook release in years and a major shift in its pricing strategy.

The move is widely seen as Apple’s response to increasing competition from Chromebooks and budget Windows laptops, especially in the education and entry-level market.

A Budget MacBook Is Finally on the Horizon

Well-known Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman reports that Apple is actively working on a new entry-level MacBook designed to be more accessible to students, casual users, and small businesses.

Industry insiders suggest the device will sit below the MacBook Air, offering essential Mac performance at a significantly lower cost—without compromising Apple’s signature build quality and ecosystem benefits.

Project Codename “J700” Enters Early Production

The upcoming laptop is reportedly operating under the internal codename “J700” and has already entered early production stages.

To achieve the lower price point, Apple is expected to introduce several cost-saving design choices, including:

A smaller display, estimated around 12 inches
A standard LCD panel instead of a premium Retina display
A simplified internal design focused on efficiency

Despite these changes, Apple is expected to maintain its premium feel and long battery life.

A-Series Processor Could Power the New MacBook

One of the most interesting rumors is Apple’s consideration of using an A-series processor, traditionally found in iPhones and iPads.

Apple claims its A-series chips are powerful enough for everyday computing tasks such as:

Web browsing
Online learning
Office applications
Video streaming
Light photo and media editing

Using an A-series chip would significantly reduce production costs while preserving performance and battery efficiency.

Designed for Students, Casual Users & Businesses

The low-cost MacBook 2026 is reportedly aimed at users who need reliability rather than raw power, including:

Students and educators
Everyday home users
Small and medium-sized businesses

This makes it an ideal choice for:

Online classes
Document creation
Emails and presentations
Productivity and cloud-based work

Apple’s Strategy: Taking on Chromebooks

Chromebooks currently dominate the education and budget laptop market, largely due to their affordability and simplicity.

By launching a $599 MacBook, Apple could:

Expand its footprint in schools and universities
Attract first-time Mac users
Strengthen macOS adoption worldwide

This move aligns perfectly with Apple’s long-term strategy of ecosystem growth.

A Major Strategic Shift for Apple

At present:

The MacBook Air M4 starts at $999
Older M1 MacBook Air models sell near $600 at select retailers

Introducing a brand-new MacBook in the $300–$600 range would be a groundbreaking change for Apple—especially at a time when consumers are increasingly price-conscious due to global economic pressures.

Analysts believe this could unlock millions of new customers for Apple globally.