Apple Inc. is reportedly preparing to enter the low-cost laptop market for the first time. According to a report by Bloomberg L.P., Apple is developing a new Mac device, code-named “J700,” which is set to launch in the first half of next year.
The new Mac will target students, casual users, and business customers who primarily use their device for web browsing, document editing, or light media tasks. It is also aimed at people who might otherwise buy an iPad but prefer a traditional laptop.
Price and Components
Apple intends to sell the device for well under US$1,000 by using less advanced components, such as a lower-end LCD display and employing an iPhone-series processor instead of the usual Mac-optimised M-series chip. The new model will reportedly have a screen slightly below 13.6 inches, making it the smallest Mac laptop to date.
Notably, this is expected to be the first Mac to use an iPhone-series chip rather than a dedicated Mac silicon design. Bloomberg’s sources say internal tests show that the smartphone chip can outperform the older M1 processors used in Macs just a few years ago.
Follow us on social media
This launch would mark a significant shift for Apple: until now, Macs have been firmly positioned in the premium segment. By offering a more affordable model, Apple aims to capture users currently using Chromebooks, entry-level Windows PCs, or iPads.
The move could also help Apple increase its share of the global PC/laptop market, where it currently trails other big players.
Discover more from Techspace Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.