NEW YORK, Nov 5: Apple is reportedly preparing to release its first budget-friendly Mac laptop in the first half of 2026, aiming to compete with Chromebooks and low-cost Windows PCs, according to Bloomberg. The device is currently in early production at Apple’s overseas suppliers and is undergoing internal testing.

The move signals Apple’s push to attract casual users, students, and businesses who primarily use laptops for web browsing, light media editing, and document work. The company also hopes the device will appeal to potential iPad buyers who prefer a traditional laptop experience.

According to the report, the low-cost Mac will feature a new design with a “lower-end LCD display” and is expected to run on an A-series iPhone processor that offers performance improvements over the M1 chip. The laptop will likely have a smaller screen than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air.

While performance is a key consideration, Apple’s success in this segment will depend heavily on pricing. The company is reportedly planning to sell the new Mac for “well under $1,000,” a significant departure from Apple’s premium pricing model. By comparison, high-end Chromebooks cost around $600, while budget Windows laptops often sell for just a few hundred dollars. Analysts suggest Apple would likely need to price the laptop at $700 or less to capture meaningful market share.

Traditionally focused on premium devices, Apple’s entry into the lower-cost laptop segment could be timely. Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on devices that cannot upgrade to Windows 11, prompting businesses and other users to consider new laptops to maintain security and receive updates. Apple’s new low-cost system could capitalize on this wave of potential upgrades.