Apple’s Upcoming Affordable MacBook Set for H1 2026 Release; Early Production Has Started

Apple to Launch Affordable MacBook in the Coming Months

The tech community is buzzing with excitement as Apple gears up to launch its much-anticipated low-cost MacBook. This new addition is designed to compete directly with affordable Chromebooks and budget-friendly Windows laptops, making it an attractive option for students, businesses, and casual users alike. Recent reports indicate that the device is already undergoing early production phases and rigorous testing, suggesting a near-term release.

What We Know About the Low-Cost MacBook

According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple is preparing to launch this budget-friendly MacBook sometime in the first half of 2026. Key specifications and insights include:

The device has been given the internal codename J700.
Early production is currently underway, with Apple engineers actively testing the unit.
It is estimated to be priced at under $1, 000.
The target market includes students, small businesses, and everyday users.
By introducing this laptop, Apple aims to capture a larger share of the market, specifically by appealing to users of traditional Chromebooks and budget Windows laptops.

This strategic pivot marks a significant change for Apple, a company historically focused on premium products that yield higher profit margins. The addition of a low-cost MacBook could open doors for Apple to attract users who previously relied on Windows, particularly in light of Microsoft’s discontinuation of official support for Windows 10.

Pricing and Features of the Budget MacBook

Though Apple’s current cheapest model, the M4 MacBook Air, retails for $999 (with student discounts available), the anticipated low-cost MacBook is projected to be significantly more affordable, likely falling between $599 and $699. Expected features include:

A 13.6-inch LCD display.
The integration of the A18 Pro System on Chip (SoC).
A USB 3.2 Gen 2 controller operating at speeds of up to 10Gb/s, equivalent to 1.25GB/s.
The absence of Thunderbolt controllers.
The chassis design will be similar to that of the MacBook Air but with minimized component specifications.

Apple has previously dipped its toes into the budget segment by offering lower prices on its M1 MacBook Air through retail channels like Walmart. The impending release of this affordable MacBook is positioned to not only meet consumer demand for a cost-effective Apple device but also to significantly broaden Apple’s total addressable market (TAM).

For an in-depth look at this upcoming product, check out the original source here.