Apple Inc. is reportedly moving forward with production of an entry-level MacBook, signaling a strategic push into the budget laptop market by early 2026.
Bloomberg reports that the technology giant has begun manufacturing the more affordable MacBook with overseas suppliers and is currently conducting internal testing of the device.
This move positions Apple to directly challenge the dominance of Windows 11 laptops and Chromebooks, which currently command a large share of the entry-level computing market.
The new MacBook is expected to be priced under $1,000, positioning it against a wide range of competitors.
Windows and Chromebook devices typically start from around $200 in the United States, with premium Chromebook models reaching approximately $700.
An earlier report from DigiTimes in August 2025 had indicated Apple was developing a budget MacBook, with key component production anticipated in the third quarter of 2025.
The upcoming MacBook will feature a lower-end LCD screen, which is described as having fewer premium attributes than current displays and being smaller than the 13.6-inch screen on existing MacBook Air models.
Powering the device will be an A-series chip, typically found in Apple’s iPhones. This chip is projected to offer faster performance than the M1 chip, which Apple introduced in 2020 to power certain MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro models.
The M1 chip was produced using 5-nanometer technology, featuring an 8-core Central Processing Unit (CPU) and an 8-core Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).
Pricing estimates suggest the budget MacBook could be roughly $100 to $200 more expensive than Apple’s entry-level Mac mini, which retails for $599, allowing it to compete with higher-end Chromebook offerings.
Separately, reports indicate Apple plans to introduce new MacBook Pro models in late 2026. These premium laptops are expected to be the first Macs with OLED touchscreens, featuring improved contrast and thinner designs. They will reportedly utilize new M6, M6 Pro, and M6 Max chips, fabricated using TSMC’s advanced 2-nanometer technology.