For years, Apple has stayed away from the budget laptop market. But that may soon change. According to Bloomberg, the company is working on a more affordable Mac, set to arrive sometime next year, a quiet but meaningful shift in its strategy.
According to those familiar with the project, Apple’s new laptop will compete with Chromebooks and budget Windows PCs. It’s expected to appeal to students, professionals, and general users whose main tasks include browsing the web, creating documents, and light media editing. The product may also attract iPad shoppers who prefer a traditional laptop format.
To bring the price well under $1,000, Apple is said to be using a different set of components for the model, which carries the internal codename J700. The laptop is reportedly in testing and early production with Apple’s overseas suppliers.
One major twist is in the chip itself. Apple’s said to be using a processor built off its iPhone line instead of the usual M-series chips made for Macs. Early tests inside the company apparently show that this iPhone-style chip actually beats the M1, the same one that ran Apple laptops not too long ago.
Spec leaks suggest the device will sport a budget-oriented LCD panel with a display size just under 13.6 inches, smaller than any current Mac in Apple’s lineup.
Apple’s plans follow a strong financial quarter, with Mac sales reaching $8.73 billion and surpassing analyst expectations. The company also issued a positive forecast for the holiday period. Introducing a more affordable Mac could help broaden its presence in the personal computer market.
Apple isn’t saying anything about the report for now. The most affordable Mac in its lineup remains the M4 MacBook Air, which starts at $999 or $899 if you’re buying with an education discount.
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