CALIFORNIA, U.S. – Apple is reportedly developing a low-cost Mac laptop — a first for the tech giant long known for its premium, high-priced computers.
According to reports by Bloomberg and Reuters, the new Mac, internally codenamed “J700,” is expected to hit the market in the first half of 2026.
The move marks a strategic shift for Apple as it targets the education and budget laptop markets dominated by Chromebooks and entry-level Windows PCs.
Unlike the current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lines, which start at nearly US$1,000 (Sh130,000), the new model is expected to retail for under US$800 (Sh104,000).
Industry insiders say Apple will achieve the lower price by using an A-series chip—the same type found in iPhones and iPads—rather than the more expensive M-series chips that power current Macs.
The laptop is also said to feature a simplified aluminium chassis, a basic LCD display, and limited ports, design choices aimed at balancing Apple’s trademark quality with affordability.
Analysts believe the upcoming budget Mac could offer smooth performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and video calls — making it attractive to students and professionals seeking a reliable yet affordable Apple experience.
“This could be Apple’s most aggressive play yet in the education market,” said one analyst. “It’s a move to reclaim ground lost to Chromebooks over the past decade.”
Chromebooks currently account for nearly 30% of global education laptop sales, according to IDC data, thanks to their low cost and cloud-based simplicity.
Apple, despite its strong brand recognition, has struggled to compete in that space due to high prices.
The company has used a similar strategy before with the iPhone SE, which delivers Apple’s ecosystem at a lower price point — and has proven popular among budget-conscious consumers.
If successful, the new Mac could redefine Apple’s position in the laptop market — offering a “Mac for everyone” for the first time in the company’s history.
