Apple's cheap MacBook could be powered by iPhone SoC with Apple M1 performance for around $600
Apple might be working on a laptop that's cheaper than the MacBook Air (Image source: Taan Huyn)
Apple apparently plans to replace the MacBook Air as its entry-level laptop in the coming months. According to the latest information from Bloomberg, the company will launch a cheaper MacBook in the first half of 2026.
Rumors have circulated for months that Apple is actively developing a cheaper alternative to the MacBook Air. This budget-friendly MacBook is rumored to feature an iPhone processor, which would make it significantly less powerful than the MacBook Air (on sale for $799 on Amazon), which is powered by Apple’s fast M-series ARM chipsets.
According to the latest information from Bloomberg, this new MacBook is already undergoing testing and the production of components has already kicked off. Therefore, everything points towards a launch in the first half of 2026. The laptop is internally codenamed "J700" and is allegedly aimed at iPad users who prefer a traditional clamshell form factor and at laptop buyers who are looking for an affordable device for office applications and surfing the web.
This MacBook is expected to retail for well under $1,000, as it’s supposed to pair an iPhone processor with a budget LCD panel. The display is reportedly slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch screen of the current MacBook Air 13. Bloomberg says Apple is targeting a price range similar to the iPad with Magic Keyboard. This bundle currently costs at least $598 at Apple’s official online store.
Compared to an iPad, this cheap MacBook should offer longer battery life and more flexibility thanks to macOS instead of iPadOS. Internal tests suggest the performance of the new MacBook will exceed that of the older MacBook Air M1. This might be plausible, as our multi-core benchmarks for the Apple A18 Pro show that it can perform similarly to the M1.
Editor of the original article:Hannes Brecher - Senior Tech Writer - 19125 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018
Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.
Translator:Enrico Frahn - Managing Editor Accessory Reviews, Tech Writer - 5664 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021
My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.
