Apple is preparing a new entry-level laptop that, according to several sources, will arrive in the first half of 2026 and will focus on an A-series chip used in iPhoneThe project, known internally as J700, would be aimed at competing head-to-head with Chromebooks and low-cost Windows PCs, while maintaining the macOS experience in a more affordable format.
For the Spanish and European markets, the move could open the door to a MacBook for under $1.000 The exchange rate will vary, with the usual adjustments for taxes and regional pricing policies. The target market includes students, educational institutions, and users who prioritize a simple laptop for everyday tasks without sacrificing integration with the Apple ecosystem.
What is known about the J700 project
According to information reported by Mark Gurman (Bloomberg) and supported by previous leaks from Ming-Chi Kuo, the team with the codename The J700 is in the testing phase and is in initial production with Asian suppliers. The internal goal is to launch it in the first half of 2026 at a price lower than the cheapest MacBook Air.
Cost reduction would involve using less advanced components than in other ranges: input LCD screen, a simpler panel than the Liquid Retina of the current Air and Pro, and a size below the 13,6 inches of the most recent Air.
Screen and design: more compact than an Air
Sources agree that it will be slightly smaller than 13,6 inchesThe screen size is expected to be between 12 and 13 inches. This wouldn't be the first time Apple has gone below that size: there have already been 12-inch MacBooks and 11,6-inch MacBook Airs in the past, so the compact format is not unfamiliar territory for Cupertino.
Since it's a basic laptop, A simpler LCD panel is expected.However, it's of sufficient quality to stand out in its segment. Some reports also point to brighter color options (silver, blue, pink, or yellow), although this is not confirmed and could change as the project progresses.
The leap: an iPhone processor in a Mac
The main novelty would be the use of an A-series chip It's an iPhone-specific chip instead of an M-series processor. Bloomberg doesn't specify the model, while Kuo has pointed to the A18 Pro in test iterations. Internally, according to leaks, this mobile chip has shown yields higher than M1 of 2020 in certain tasks.
That approach has several practical applications: improved autonomy and reduced weight Thanks to the efficiency of iPhone chips, as well as lower costs. However, no one expects this device to dethrone a MacBook Air or Pro with M4/M5 chips for professional tasks; its natural habitat will be browsing, office applications, video calls, and light editing.
Positioning and pricing in Spain and Europe
Sources all agree on one figure: below $1.000Reports from the Chinese supply chain even place the price range at $599-$699, which would put it squarely against Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops. In euros, the final price will depend on taxes, shipping, and exchange rates, so it's reasonable to expect a higher official price in the EU than in the U.S.
In comparison, the current MacBook Air starts from $999 in the US and it has a lower educational price. In Spain, Apple has maintained educational discount programs for years that could be applied to this model if it is eventually marketed, something especially relevant for universities, vocational training centers, and families.
Calendar and status of development
The plan currently circulating among suppliers aims to presentation in the first half of 2026With active testing in Cupertino and early production outside the US. In parallel, a refresh of the range with the MacBook Air M5 and updates to the MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro/M5 Max are expected in that same timeframe.
It's worth remembering that Apple has not confirmed these details; There is no official communication And, as always, schedules may be adjusted for logistical, quality, or business strategy reasons.
Objective: education and entry-level users
Apple's push would go directly to the segments where Chromebooks and Windows They have gained significant market share, especially in the education sector. The prospect of a more affordable Mac, with macOS and good battery life, could appeal to students and institutions already using iPads or Apple services, as well as users looking for their first Mac without breaking the bank.
In Europe, adoption depends on the balance between price, fleet management and supportIf Apple aligns the total cost of ownership (TCO) with a simple macOS deployment and service integration (MDM, iCloud, Apple School Manager), it could gain ground; however, the current dominance of cheap devices with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 necessitates a very refined value proposition.
Questions still open
Key points remain to be finalized: exact chip modelMemory and storage configurations, physical ports, color options, and, above all, the final price in each country are still unknown. The final screen size is also not yet confirmed, beyond the fact that it will be smaller than 13,6 inches.
Until Apple makes a move, everything points to a laptop. smaller, lighter and cheaper than the current Air, with an iPhone chip and an entry-level LCD screen, geared towards everyday tasks and with a special focus on education and tight budgets in Spain and the rest of Europe.