Apple Reportedly Planning Budget MacBook with iPhone Chip: Here's How Much It Could Cost

Apple is reported to be planning a wide wave of hardware launches, centred on a new low-cost MacBook. Mark Gurman at Bloomberg indicates that this budget notebook will arrive alongside refreshed Mac models, updated iPads, new Mac displays, and the iPhone 17e in a tightly packed release window.

The planned MacBook is described as an entry-level model aimed at bringing Mac pricing below $1,000. Apple reportedly wants to lower the cost while keeping a metal enclosure, positioning the device for buyers who value durability but need a more affordable notebook.

Entry-level MacBook design and hardware

Inside Apple, the machine is known by the code name J700 and is said to use a full aluminium chassis. Reporting suggests Apple has created a revised shell-forging technique, which allows the case to be manufactured faster and at lower cost, yet still uses aluminium rather than plastic materials.

To hit a lower price, the notebook is expected to run an iPhone-class processor instead of an M-series chip. This decision is described as a clear divider from premium Mac laptops, but the performance is reportedly aimed at everyday use, education tasks, and typical enterprise workflows.

Entry-level MacBook display, colours, and launch plans

The display on the new model is expected to measure slightly under 13 inches. That size would place the budget notebook below the current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro in screen area, which may help keep weight and production costs down for student and office deployments.

Apple has reportedly experimented with several colour finishes for the device. Tested options include light yellow, light green, blue, pink, silver, and dark gray. Not all shades may reach stores, and Apple is expected to narrow the final list before launch based on production and market plans.

A launch is rumoured as early as March, with Apple preparing for a possible event in that timeframe. The combination of lower-cost materials processing and an iPhone-grade processor is expected to place the entry MacBook well under the $1,000 level, targeting education and enterprise roll-outs that prioritise budget and durability.

Entry-level MacBook alongside wider Mac roadmap

Alongside the budget notebook, Apple is also said to be readying updates for existing Mac lines. New versions of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are expected, and a refreshed Mac Studio is reportedly in development. Further ahead, updated iMac and Mac mini models are planned for 2026, together with new Mac display hardware.

Entry-level MacBook in context of iPad and iPhone plans

The wider hardware cycle is expected to include several iPad changes. Apple is reportedly working on an updated entry-level iPad and new iPad Air models. A redesigned iPad mini with an OLED screen is also planned for later this year, while a new iPad Pro is not anticipated in the near term.

Gurman also reports that an iPhone named iPhone 17e is in preparation as the next entry-tier iPhone. This handset is expected to arrive in the same general period as the iPad refreshes and the budget MacBook, supporting Apple’s focus on cheaper devices for a broader audience.

Across Macs, iPads, and iPhones, the reported schedule points to a concentrated period of launches that includes the new entry-level MacBook. The plan indicates Apple is preparing lower-priced options in multiple product lines while still keeping metal designs, updated displays, and refreshed configurations in its broader hardware roadmap.