Apple 'actively' testing low-cost MacBook laptop, to launch in early 2026: Report

[Representational Image] 15-inch Apple MacBook Air M2.

DH Photo/KVN Rohit

For long, Apple has been predominantly known as a premium consumer electronics brand, and prices of some of its ultra flagship products, such as Mac Pro, are compared to a 2BHK apartment in a developing market like India.

However, the Cupertino-based technology major has introduced affordable versions of some of its products. If we dial back the clock by a decade, it had the iPhone 5c with a polycarbonate enclosure.

Later, it launched three special iPhone SE models, and the most recent is the iPhone 16e (review), the most affordable iPhone among the devices launched in 2025.

Even in Watches, it has the SE series, and there are entry-level iPads with prices starting at Rs 25,000 and Rs 35,000, respectively, in India.

Now, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, known for his accurate prediction of Apple products long before the launch, has claimed that the company is working on another similar project in the computer segment.

If the Gurman's sources are to be believed, Apple is actively testing a low-cost MacBook laptop code-named J700 and will be priced well under $1000.

To cut costs, it will come with a smaller 13.3-inch LCD panel, and instead of M-series silicon, Apple is expected to incorporate the A18 PRO chipset used in iPhone 16 Pro models.

It will compete with affordable Windows-powered PCs and Chromebooks.

If all things go as planned, the low-cost MacBook is expected to hit stores in the first half of 2026.

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