**Apple Reportedly Developing a Lower-Cost Mac Laptop to Compete with Chromebooks and Affordable Windows PCs**

*By Rita El Khoury / Android Authority*

Apple is reportedly working on a lower-cost Mac laptop that could sell for well under $1,000 by using iPhone-class chips and a smaller LCD panel. This project signals a strategic push to compete with Chromebooks and affordable Windows laptops, especially in the education sector, where Apple currently trails its rivals.

If priced around $699-$799, the new Mac could reshape Apple’s entry-level lineup by offering macOS at a budget-friendly price point, potentially attracting more students into its ecosystem.

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### A New Approach to Affordable Macs

For years, the most affordable way to experience an Apple laptop has been to wait for discounts on older MacBooks or to recreate the “Mac” experience by pairing an iPad with a keyboard. However, this may soon change.

According to a recent Bloomberg report, Apple is developing a more budget-friendly Mac laptop aimed at students and mainstream buyers. The machine is expected to sell “well under $1,000” by using less-advanced components, such as an iPhone-class A-series processor and a smaller, lower-end LCD panel, which would be slightly smaller than the current MacBook Air’s 13.6-inch display.

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### The Strategy Behind the Move

Interestingly, this is not the first time such an idea has surfaced. Back in 2023, reports suggested Apple was exploring a sub-$700 MacBook to compete in the education and Chromebook market. What’s different now is a clearer picture of the pricing target, the use of an iPhone chip, and a smaller display — all indicating a focused strategy to enter the budget-laptop arena.

Historically, Apple has leaned into premium pricing, but the student market tells a different story. Chromebooks dominate classrooms worldwide due to their low cost and ease of use. According to IDC, Apple held only about 9% of the global PC market in Q3 2025, lagging behind Lenovo, HP, and Dell, which offer Windows or ChromeOS devices.

A more affordable Mac that still offers Apple’s hardware design and ecosystem advantages could drive new adoption, especially in the United States, where iPhones already have a significant presence.

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### Leveraging Older A-Series Chips and a Smaller Display

Using older A-series silicon could be an effective cost-saving measure without sacrificing essential performance. These chips have proven performance-per-dollar efficiency, especially for schoolwork and general productivity.

The smaller display choice aligns well with the compact Chromebook segment, targeting users who prefer portability and practicality over premium specifications. However, hitting a price point “well under $1,000” remains critical for Apple to compete aggressively.

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### macOS vs. iPadOS and Other Competitors

One might argue that pairing an iPad with a keyboard already delivers a laptop-like experience with touchscreen utility and portability. The real differentiator for this new Mac laptop would be its ability to run macOS — a full desktop operating system, unlike iPadOS, making it a true laptop rather than a tablet-first device.

This move extends beyond competing with Chromebooks. Microsoft’s growing push into ARM-based Windows laptops, powered by Snapdragon X-series chips, presents another competitive challenge. These devices offer long battery life, silent operation, and notable AI acceleration capabilities.

Meanwhile, Google is testing Android-on-PC experiences to blur the lines between phones and laptops, especially for emerging markets and educational use. Apple stepping into this arena suggests it is not just defending the iPad but also fortifying its entire ecosystem.

By offering a lower-priced Mac, Apple could attract students and first-time buyers earlier, increasing the likelihood these users will remain loyal to its product lineup over time.

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### Current Landscape and Potential Impact

As it stands, Apple’s most affordable Mac is the $999 M4 MacBook Air (or $899 with education pricing). In comparison, many Chromebooks are available for just a few hundred dollars, leaving a wide cost gap.

Apple will need to aggressively close this gap. Using older chips, a 60Hz LCD panel, and possibly even a plastic chassis could meaningfully reduce costs. If Apple succeeds in delivering a capable macOS laptop in the $699-$799 range, it could redefine the company’s approach to price-sensitive markets.

This strategy may also indicate a significant shift in Apple’s product lineup. Until now, the iPhone and iPad have served as entry points into the Apple ecosystem. A budget MacBook would add a new vertical, potentially locking users into the desktop/laptop tier earlier.

However, this could also complicate the iPad’s role. If a low-cost Mac can better handle schoolwork and daily computing tasks, the iPad may need to focus more heavily on creative and niche workflows to justify its place in the lineup.

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### What’s Next?

Everything remains speculative at this point. Apple has not confirmed the existence of a budget MacBook and is expected to announce new products next year, including updated M5 and M5 Pro Mac mini models, M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac Studio updates, and refreshed MacBook Pros with M6 chips.

If this plan is real, it could mark an inflection point in how Apple approaches value computing and how it intends to compete with ChromeOS and low-cost Windows PCs in education and beyond.

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