From high-end PCs to affordable PCs: Apple is expected to launch a new Mac product equipped with iPhone chips in the first half of next year, marking a major shift in its product strategy. At that time, Apple will introduce a budget-friendly Mac computer aimed at attracting consumers of Chromebooks and entry-level Windows PCs.
According to Zhitong Finance APP, Mark Gurman, an Apple product leaker who has repeatedly revealed iPhone update details with precision in advance, recently posted that Apple Inc. (AAPL.US) is preparing to enter the low-cost laptop market for the first time by developing a budget-friendly Mac. This initiative aims to attract customers who favor affordable lightweight laptops from competitors such as Chromebook PCs and entry-level Windows PCs.
Gurman cited sources familiar with the matter, reporting that this new device—designed specifically for students, businesses, and general users—will target those primarily using it for extensive web browsing, document processing, or light media editing. Apple is also eyeing potential users who might otherwise choose to purchase an iPad but prefer the traditional lightweight laptop experience.
Gurman stated that the codename for this laptop model is J700, which is currently undergoing active internal testing at Apple and gradually entering the early production stage with overseas suppliers. These sources, who wished to remain anonymous as the product has not yet been released, indicated that Cupertino-based Apple plans to launch this entirely new laptop in the first half of next year. An Apple spokesperson declined to comment.
This latest potential move may represent a significant strategic shift for Apple, as the consumer electronics giant has historically focused on high-margin premium consumer electronic devices. Apple had previously vowed not to pursue market share expansion through low-end products.
However, Apple is facing a growing threat from Chromebook lightweight laptops, which are low-cost notebooks running Google's operating system, Chrome OS. At the same time, there is significant potential opportunity to attract Windows PC users. Microsoft's (MSFT.US) complete transition to the Windows 11 operating system has frustrated some users of the previous generation operating system software, depriving them of Microsoft-supported technical updates and security protection updates.
Following reports that Apple will focus on low-cost lightweight laptops, shares of personal computer manufacturer HP Inc (HPQ.US) briefly fell to an intraday low. As of the close of the U.S. stock market on Tuesday, shares of both HP and another major PC manufacturer, Dell Technologies (DELL.US), fell more than 3%. Amidst a broad decline in U.S. tech stocks, Apple's shares slightly rose by 0.37% to $270.04 at the close of the U.S. stock market.
Challenge Chromebook! Expected price below $1,000
According to Gurman, Apple plans to reduce the price of this new PC model below $1,000 by using lower-spec component combinations. The laptop will rely on an iPhone processor known for its low power consumption and high energy efficiency, paired with a cost-effective mid-to-low-end LCD display. The screen size will be the smallest among all current Macs, slightly below the 13.6 inches used in the MacBook Air.
This will mark the first time Apple has used an iPhone processor in its Mac laptop lineup, rather than a chip specifically designed for laptops. However, Gurman stated that Apple’s latest internal tests indicate that the performance of this high-end smartphone chip significantly surpasses that of the Mac-optimized M1 chip, which was used in laptops just a few years ago.
For a long time, Apple consistently powered all of its iPad series with customized SoC chip product lines from the iPhone. However, a few years ago, the company shifted the higher-end models of these devices to adopt its M-series processors.
Apple previously tested this segment by selling a discounted version of the M1 MacBook Air at consumer electronics outlets of Walmart Inc. and other major U.S. retail giants for under $700. However, the upcoming laptop model will be an entirely new design, rather than a discounted version of an older PC.
Currently, Apple's most affordable Mac product is the M4 MacBook Air, priced at $999—further reduced to $899 through educational discounts. Meanwhile, Chromebooks are available at prices starting as low as a few hundred dollars, with high-end versions priced around $600.
In the education market, Apple's entry-level iPad paired with the Magic Keyboard Folio is a popular student electronics combination, with a total price of approximately $600. The new Mac is expected to fall within a similar $600–$900 price range but will offer enhanced battery life, greater flexibility provided by the macOS operating system, and an integrated keyboard solution. This upcoming model may appeal to both students and general consumers.
An all-new budget-friendly Mac could help boost Apple's PC market share.
According to data from IDC, a well-known market research firm, Apple held approximately 9% of the global PC market share in Q3. The tech giant ranks fourth in the industry, trailing Lenovo, HP Inc., and Dell Technologies—all of which primarily focus on selling consumer electronics based on the Windows or ChromeOS operating systems.
A more affordable yet still elegantly designed Mac that seamlessly integrates with Apple’s broader ecosystem could drive a new wave of Mac adoption—especially in the U.S. market where iPhones dominate—and potentially expand Apple's PC market share.
Currently, the Mac business is already Apple’s fastest-growing hardware category from the previous quarter, with revenue growing approximately 13% to reach $8.73 billion. Growth is expected to slow this quarter, primarily due to Apple releasing only one new model during this period: the entry-level MacBook Pro equipped with the M5 chip.
The company plans to roll out a series of significant updates in 2026. In addition to this new low-cost laptop, Apple has partially completed development of the M5 MacBook Air, set to launch early in the year, as well as high-end MacBook Pro models featuring the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.
Regarding other new Apple consumer electronics products on the roadmap, updated versions of the M5 and M5 Pro Mac mini models, as well as the M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac Studio, will be released in the future. Additionally, a "revamped MacBook Pro" featuring an M6 chip and an iPhone-style OLED touchscreen is planned for release in late 2026 or early 2027. Apple will also launch two entirely new external Mac monitors.
