Apple’s speculated lower-cost MacBook fueled by an iPhone chip is back in the spotlight. A recent report supports another assertion that Apple intends to launch a more budget-friendly MacBook. This device is expected to operate on an A-series processor.
## Most affordable Mac laptop
We initially caught wind of the speculated entry-level MacBook during the summer. Supply chain expert Ming-Chi Kuo indicated that a MacBook utilizing an A18 Pro chip was in development. Kuo noted that production would commence in late 2025 or early 2026.
Now, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has reported on the affordable laptop for the first time. Gurman specifically mentions that the notebook has the code name J700 and will retail for significantly less than $1000.
> Code-named J700, this device is presently undergoing active testing at Apple and is in early production with foreign suppliers. The Cupertino, California-based firm plans to unveil it in the first half of the coming year, according to sources who wished to remain anonymous due to the product not being formally announced. […] Apple aims to market the new device for well below $1,000 by utilizing less sophisticated components. The laptop will depend on an iPhone chip and a lower-tier LCD display. The screen will also be the smallest of any existing Mac, measuring slightly less than the 13.6-inch display used in the MacBook Air.
With the M4 Mac mini available starting at $599, Apple has a budget-friendly Mac desktop option. Nonetheless, the Mac notebook lineup typically begins at $1000.
The notable exception is the M1 MacBook Air, which Apple still sells exclusively through Walmart for $649. The laptop frequently sees discounts bringing it below $600. It features a 13.3-inch display.
In the meantime, Apple prices the M4 MacBook Air at $999, or $899 for educational buyers. Amazon and other retailers often offer the current M4 MacBook Air version for $799.
If Apple markets this lower-cost MacBook through its online platform and retail locations, it would represent a significant change. Apple does not typically reduce prices on its hardware through its own retailers. Only refurbished models are offered at lower prices.
Gurman portrays the lower-cost MacBook as a substitute for an iPad. Numerous iPad tablets can already compete with the MacBook Air on price, particularly when paired with keyboard and trackpad accessories. He also mentions that Apple will employ the A-series chip MacBook to vie against more economical Windows and Chromebook laptops.
The Bloomberg article does not clarify which iPhone processor will power the budget MacBook. The initial rumor suggested it would utilize the A18 Pro chip, which powers the iPhone 16 Pro. In September, Apple unveiled the A19 Pro, which is used in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air.
The design of the new laptop remains uncertain. The current MacBook Air design debuted with the M2 hardware iteration. The M1 MacBook Air shares the same design as the first Retina display resolution MacBook Air from 2018.
Kuo indicated that “potential casing colors include silver, blue, pink, and yellow,” but the Bloomberg article does not address color options. Apple currently offers these four colors in the $349 iPad.
## First A-series Mac
Since transitioning from Intel to Apple silicon, Apple has employed M-series chips in all its updated Mac hardware. Apple also incorporates M-series chips in iPad Air and iPad Pro models. Apple’s A-series chips continue to power all iPhone models, as well as iPad and iPad mini tablets.
Apple technically unveiled an A-series Mac mini in the form of a Developer Transition Kit. However, that hardware was not intended for consumers. It was solely made available to registered developers to facilitate the transition of Mac apps from Intel to Apple silicon. Apple later retrieved Developer Transition Kit hardware.
Last month, Apple launched the first M5-powered devices including the M5 14-inch MacBook Pro, M5 11- and 13-inch iPad Pro, and M5 Apple Vision Pro. Apple is anticipated to introduce an M5 MacBook Air in early 2026. Additionally, we can expect to see the debut of the first M6 Pro and M6 Max hardware then. The premium 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro lineup is expected to receive updates early in the coming year.
