Apple's Budget MacBook to Feature iPhone Processor, Fun Colors, and Aluminum Body [Report]

Apple is reportedly finalizing a new entry-level MacBook that will use an iPhone-class processor instead of the M-series chips found across the rest of the lineup. The device is aimed at education and enterprise customers and is expected to be priced well under $1,000 while retaining an aluminum chassis.



According to the latest newsletter from Mark Gurman, the laptop, internally code-named J700, will feature a standard metal enclosure rather than plastic. To reduce manufacturing costs, Apple has developed a new forging process that allows the shells to be produced more quickly and efficiently than the unibody enclosures used in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.


The machine is expected to include a display slightly smaller than 13 inches, positioning it below current MacBook Air models. Internally, it will run on an A-series chip similar to those used in iPhones, marking the first modern Mac notebook to rely on that class of silicon.

Apple is also testing a broader range of colors than it typically offers on MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Prototypes have reportedly included light yellow, light green, blue, pink, purple, classic silver, and dark gray, though it's unclear which options will reach production.

The low-cost MacBook could launch as early as March, potentially alongside updated iPad models.

For context, the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air is currently on sale for $849.99, down from its $999 retail price. Apple's final pricing for the J700 will determine how it fits within the existing Mac lineup.


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