One of the most anticipated devices in Apple’s 2026 portfolio is a low-cost MacBook, one that could be priced in the $700-800 ballpark. Currently in development under the codename J700, Bloomberg now reports that the upcoming laptop will feature a metallic chassis and might come in “playful colors.”
What’s coming?
“To stick with this premium material, Apple developed a new manufacturing process that allows the shells to be forged more quickly. The technique is designed to be both faster and more cost-effective than the one used with Apple’s current laptops,” says the report, which further adds that the machine could hit the shelves next month.
It was widely expected that the entry-level MacBook could trade the expensive metallic shell for plastic to bring down costs. But it appears that Apple wants to keep the signature in-hand feel of a MacBook despite the lower price tag. As far as colors go, the company has reportedly tested shades such as blue, classic silver, dark gray, light green, light yellow, and pink.
It’s unclear whether the upcoming Apple laptop will stick with the same design as the current-gen MacBook Air, or whether the company will bring back the iconic wedge design of the 12-inch MacBook. Bloomberg reports the machine will feature a screen smaller than 13 inches, which raises hopes that Apple just might pull a blast from the past trick.
What else?
Another standout aspect of the machine is going to be the mobile-class chipset. Instead of an M-series processor, which is now a mainstay across the Mac line-up and even the high-end iPads, the pocket-friendly MacBook will reportedly come equipped with an iPhone-class A-series processor.
Does that mean cellular connectivity will also be part of the package? That seems unlikely, but now that Apple is making its own modems, it’s plausible that Apple might use the upcoming MacBook as a test bed and eventually offer the facility on the upcoming slate of MacBook Pro machines.
Bloomberg reports that Apple will predominantly market its low-cost MacBook in the education and enterprise segments. How well it stacks up against Windows on Arm machines with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X-series processors remains to be seen, but it’s definitely not going to be a sluggish mess.