Apple to Launch First Budget Mac Laptop Under $1,000 in Early 2025

Apple Inc. is developing its first-ever budget Mac laptop, priced under $1,000, with a planned launch in the first half of 2025, according to multiple sources. The device, codenamed J700, targets students, educators, and budget-conscious businesses amid slowing growth and saturation in the Chromebook market. It will feature an iPhone-grade processor and a lower-end LCD display to reduce costs while maintaining macOS functionality, differentiating it from premium MacBook Air and Pro models.

Specifications include a screen size smaller than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air, and internal tests indicate the smartphone-derived chip may outperform Apple's M1 processor. This strategic pivot mirrors the company's approach with the iPhone SE, aiming to expand its user base without diluting brand quality. Chromebooks currently dominate 52.4% of the North American K-12 education market, but with 93% of U.S. school districts planning device purchases in 2025, Apple sees an opportunity to reclaim relevance in classrooms where Chromebooks retail for $250–$400.

Beyond education, the budget Mac could tap into corporate markets, where Chromebook use is growing at an 8.2% compound annual rate. Apple's move may attract organizations using unified endpoint management tools for mixed device fleets. However, the company must offer long-term support guarantees to compete with Google's 10-year automatic update policy for Chromebooks. Apple's stock rose slightly to an all-time high of $270.25 following the news, reflecting investor optimism about this affordability shift.