Apple developing budget MacBook J700 under $1,000 for 2026

Apple is developing a lower-cost MacBook that is in testing and early production and is expected to ship in the first half of 2026, according to people familiar with the plans. The notebook, codenamed J700, is being positioned as a budget alternative to the MacBook Air and is aimed at students, casual users and businesses that primarily use laptops for web browsing, productivity and light media tasks. Apple intends to price the model well under $1,000 to target Chromebook and entry-level Windows buyers.

The new machine will use less advanced components to hit a lower price point, including an A-series iPhone processor rather than the higher-end M-series silicon used across most of Apple's recent Mac lineup. The display is reported to be a lower-end LCD slightly smaller than the MacBook Air's 13.6-inch panel, with some reports pointing to a roughly 12.9- to 13-inch size. Suppliers and internal testers have been evaluating the design and components, and the device is in early production overseas.

Price estimates vary in reporting, but the consistent expectation is a starting point "well under $1,000," with some industry observers suggesting Apple may need to aim closer to the $600...