apple Reportedly Planning Entry-Level MacBook Powered by iPhone Chip, targeting $600-$700 Price Point
Breaking: Apple is reportedly developing a new MacBook, codenamed “J700,” that will utilize an iPhone-class silicon chip – a significant departure from the company’s current strategy of reserving its high-performance M-series chips for its Mac lineup. The device, slated for release in the first half of 2026, is projected to be priced between $600 and $700, positioning it as a direct competitor to chromebooks and lower-end Windows laptops.
This move represents a calculated risk for Apple, perhaps opening the macOS ecosystem to a much wider audience. The J700 is aimed at users currently relying on Windows machines for basic office tasks and web browsing, iPad users seeking a more conventional laptop experience, and those frustrated with the limitations of tablet workflows. By leveraging the efficiency of its A-series chips, Apple aims to deliver a capable macOS experience at a price point previously inaccessible, challenging the dominance of ChromeOS and potentially disrupting the entry-level laptop market.
According to a report from t3n, the J700 will feature an approximate 13-inch LCD display (matte or semi-glossy, 60Hz), an A18-class SoC with a strong neural core and moderate GPU, and a configuration with limited base RAM/SSD options – consistent with Apple’s typical pricing strategy for upgrades. Connectivity will be streamlined, including USB-C and audio ports, and the device is expected to offer excellent battery life due to the efficiency of A-Silicon under light workloads.
Apple faces potential challenges, including cannibalization of its existing Air lineup, overcoming negative perceptions of using a “smartphone heart” in a Mac, and managing supply chain constraints related to chip demand from both iPhones and the J700. However, the company believes it can mitigate these risks by carefully limiting the J700’s capabilities to ensure it doesn’t overshadow higher-end models and through strategic marketing emphasizing its efficiency and value.
Source: https://t3n.de/news/apple-macbook-iphone-chip-1715369/
