According to Thurrott.com, Apple plans to ship its first A-series MacBook in early 2026 under the codename J700. This entry-level laptop will target Chromebook and low-end Windows PC buyers with a price “well under” $1000. The device features an entirely new design with a smaller sub-13.6-inch LCD display and promises better battery life than current MacBook Air and Pro models. It will use Apple’s A-series processor rather than the M-series chips found in current Macs and high-end iPads. Apple is currently testing the device internally and it’s already in early production with overseas manufacturers. The A-series MacBook allegedly outperforms the M1-based Macs that Apple first shipped in late 2020.
Sponsored content — provided for informational and promotional purposes.
Apple‘s Surprising Market Shift
Here’s the thing – this move feels like Apple acknowledging a market segment they’ve basically ignored for years. The company’s least expensive laptop right now is the 13-inch MacBook Air M4 starting at $999. But there’s a huge space below that price point where Chromebooks and budget Windows machines dominate. Apple’s never really played in that sandbox before.
Now, the timing is interesting. Gurman claims Apple is “facing a growing threat from Chromebooks,” but honestly, is that really true? Chromebooks have been around for over a decade and mostly dominate education markets that Apple never seriously competed in anyway. The Windows 10 end-of-life angle makes slightly more sense, but that’s happening now, not in 2026. So why wait?
The A-Series Processor Play
Using A-series chips instead of M-series is the real story here. Basically, Apple’s repurposing technology they’ve already perfected in iPhones and lower-end iPads. That means lower production costs while still delivering solid performance for web browsing, document work, and light media editing. It’s smart business – leveraging existing R&D to enter a new market segment.
And let’s be real – for the target audience of this device, an A-series chip will be more than enough. Most people buying sub-$1000 laptops aren’t editing 8K video or running complex simulations. They want something that works smoothly for everyday tasks and doesn’t cost a fortune. Apple’s betting that their ecosystem and build quality can win over budget-conscious buyers who might otherwise default to Chromebooks.
Who Should Be Worried?
If Apple executes this well, Chromebook manufacturers should definitely be concerned. A $799 MacBook with Apple’s design and battery life could absolutely disrupt the premium Chromebook market. But Windows PC makers? They’ve been competing with Apple on price for years, so this is just another skirmish in that ongoing battle.
The bigger question is what this means for iPad sales. Apple’s creating a laptop that could potentially cannibalize iPad purchases from people who want a traditional computing experience. But maybe that’s the point – better to keep customers in the Apple ecosystem with any product than lose them to competitors entirely.
We’ve got until early 2026 to see how this plays out, but one thing’s clear: Apple’s not content just dominating the premium laptop market anymore. They’re coming for the budget segment too.
