Rumours of Apple planning a relatively affordable MacBook have been around for a long time. And as we get closer to 2026, more details have started emerging. The cheaper MacBook, expected to launch in 2026, will be powered by an iPhone chip and cost under USD 1,000, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. The report also added that the device is codenamed J700 and is designed for students, small businesses, and casual users who primarily browse the web, work on documents, or edit light media.

For a company that has long defined the premium end of the market, this move represents a subtle but strategic shift. Apple seems ready to enter a category dominated by Google's Chromebooks and affordable Windows PCs, offering the same macOS experience in a more accessible form. Thus, this could open the Mac lineup to an entirely new audience that has so far found the entry price too steep.

Also read: Apple M4 MacBook Air available for lowest price ever, details here

While Apple remains tight-lipped about the upcoming MacBook, Bloomberg report says that the laptop is expected to be priced well under $1,000 (around Rs 88,708), making it significantly cheaper than the current M4 MacBook Air, which retails at $999 and drops to $899 with a student discount. The lower price will reportedly be achieved through the use of less advanced components, including a standard LCD display and an iPhone-grade processor.

This would mark the first time Apple has used a smartphone chip in a Mac rather than a processor designed specifically for computers. Internal testing, according to the report, shows that the chip performs better than the M1, which powered many Apple laptops only a few years ago. The device is also said to feature a screen slightly smaller than 13.6 inches, making it the most compact Mac currently in development.

The new Mac is already in active testing at Apple and in early production with overseas suppliers. The company has not issued an official comment, but Bloomberg's report suggests a launch within the first half of 2026 is likely. Apple appears to be targeting not only Chromebook and Windows users but also potential iPad buyers who may prefer the familiarity of a traditional laptop. By offering a Mac that costs less yet retains the advantages of macOS, Apple could create a new bridge between accessibility and ecosystem loyalty.

Last month, Apple surprised fans by quietly unveiling a new 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M5 chip. The laptop promised up to 3.5x faster AI performance and longer battery life while retaining the signature design of the Pro lineup. The M5 chip features a next-gen GPU, enhanced Neural Engine, and faster unified memory, catering to creators, students, and developers alike. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip is available in Space Black and Silver, starting at ₹1,69,900 in India. The laptop is available via apple.com/in and authorised Apple stores.