Apple planning to launch an affordable MacBook in 2026 to rival Chromebooks: report
Apple has reportedly been prepping its entry into another market segment – that of low-cost laptops. According to a report from Bloomberg, the tech giant is readying a low-cost MacBook targeted at students, casual users and small businesses, with an expected launch date in the first half of 2026.
The Mac is reportedly in early production and is being tested internally. This would be a significant change for Apple, which has traditionally pegged its computers as high-end devices. The move seems to be aimed at luring customers who otherwise might be tempted by Chromebooks or other low-cost Windows laptops, essentially systems that dominate the less-than USD 1,000 market.
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According to the report, Apple wants to design the Mac for everyday tasks, such as browsing the web, editing light media, and productivity work. The company also reportedly wants to target buyers who want an iPad but prefer the comfort and familiarity of a traditional laptop form factor.
The budget Mac is said to include a revamped design and a “lower-end LCD display” that will set it apart from the more upscale MacBook Air and Pro, which use higher-end Retina or mini-LED panels. It will apparently have a smaller screen than the current 13.6-inch MacBook Air and will come with an Apple-designed A-series processor, similar to the ones fitted into iPhones. However, the chipset will be tuned to outshine the first M1 chip in efficiency and performance. This is a technical experiment for Apple, which has used its M-series chips across all the Macs so far. The adoption of an A-series chip could help reduce production costs to enable Apple to price the device more competitively.
Performance considerations aside, price will probably be the main factor in this laptop’s success. According to rumours, Apple wants to sell it for “well under USD 1,000.” For context, Chromebooks and Windows laptops at the low end often sell between USD 300 and USD 600, with some in India retailing for as low as Rs 12,000. Even high-end Chromebook models rarely break through the USD 700 (around Rs 62,000) barrier. To truly appeal to this group, Apple may need to position the new Mac closer to the USD 700 line, which would be quite a bold move for the brand known for its upscale products and comparative pricing.
Timing-wise, things could play to Apple’s strengths. Microsoft is about to drop support for Windows 10, including for devices that are incapable of upgrading to Windows 11. This essentially means millions of users will soon need new laptops to remain secure and compliant. A lower-cost Mac could be a very attractive alternative for any such new buyers.
In India, where Chromebook adoption has been limited and entry-level Windows laptops remain the norm in schools and offices, an affordable Mac could really shake things up in terms of buyer behavior. If Apple manages to price this model well, it could become an attractive option for students and professionals looking for long-term reliability, smoother performance, and integration with iPhones or iPads. But if the price is high by student standards, buyers may still find better short-term value in Windows machines from HP, Lenovo or ASUS that offer good storage and flexibility in service.
If Apple proceeds with the plan, this would mark its first serious attempt to directly compete in the low-cost computing segment. The move may also contribute to strengthening Apple’s ecosystem by introducing new users to macOS, users who later may upgrade to higher-end Macs, iPads, or iPhones.
