The killer product for next year could well be an inexpensive Mac. A new report from Bloomberg suggests that Apple is working on a “budget Mac” aimed at luring customers away from Chromebooks and entry-level Windows PCs.
Expected to launch in the first half of next year, the new device is designed for people who primarily use a laptop for browsing the web, working on documents, and indulging in light media editing. It may also appeal to those who remain undecided between an iPad and a traditional Windows laptop.
Apple has never ventured into the “cheap” laptop market, preferring instead to promote affordable iPads. Code-named J700, the machine is reportedly in active testing at Apple and in early production with overseas suppliers.
One of the key factors that could help Apple cut costs is the chip. Instead of using an M-series Mac chip, the device will reportedly be powered by an A-series iPhone chip. There are conflicting reports regarding which chip will be used — some suggest it could be the A18 Pro, though Apple has since released the A19 Pro in the iPhone 17 Pro. The company’s M-series chips are larger and faster, meaning they run at higher temperatures than the A-series chips designed for mobile use. However, the A-series remains extremely powerful and can outperform many older laptops.
The Bloomberg report also mentions that the new Mac may feature a low-end LCD that is “slightly smaller” than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air, along with “an entirely new design”.
Mac sales have been on the rise. In Apple’s recent financial report, the company announced a strong quarter for the Mac. The introduction of a new, low-cost MacBook would mark Apple’s first serious foray into the budget laptop segment — and could well become both a bestseller and an entry point into the Apple ecosystem for many.