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Apple is reportedly building a lower-cost MacBook for 2026 that swaps the usual M-series silicon for an iPhone-class A-series chip. The early-production device aims to deliver a familiar macOS experience at a much friendlier price point.
A closer look at the J700 prototype
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the notebook — internally codenamed J700 — is in early production and could arrive in the first half of 2026. Unlike current MacBook Air models, this variant is expected to use a lower-end LCD panel that’s slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch display Apple ships today.
Specs, audience and price: designed for everyday use
Apple appears to be targeting casual users, students and business customers who primarily browse the web, edit documents and consume light multimedia. The device is likely to ship with modest components to keep costs down, and reports claim a price well under $1,000 — putting it squarely against Chromebooks and budget Windows laptops.
What about performance? The A-series question
Some analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo, have speculated the laptop could use an A18 Pro chip (the same family as the iPhone 16 Pro). If so, everyday performance could be close to the original M1 MacBook Air: snappy for common tasks, energy-efficient, but not aimed at pro workflows like heavy video editing or large-scale apps.
Why this matters for Apple's lineup
A genuinely lower-cost MacBook would mark a strategic shift for Apple. For years its entry-level presence has been limited, leaving Chromebooks and inexpensive Windows notebooks to dominate classrooms and budget-conscious buyers. A sub-$1,000 MacBook could attract users who find iPads too restrictive but aren’t ready to pay full price for a MacBook Air.
What to expect next
Details remain preliminary. Apple may bundle a pared-down display and other cost-saving parts while keeping core macOS features intact. And while the product name isn’t set, it could land somewhere inside the MacBook Air family — or arrive as a distinct entry-level model sold through Apple’s retail channels.
Imagine a Mac that feels familiar, lasts long on a charge and costs a lot less. That’s the promise here — but whether Apple can deliver performance and brand value at a lower price is the real question for 2026.
Source: gizmochina
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