Chromebook Killer? Apple Prepares Affordable MacBook Air (J700) for 2026 Launch

5 November 2025: There have long been rumours suggesting Apple is preparing to launch a more affordable line of MacBook devices aimed at competing directly with Chromebooks and other budget laptops. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the upcoming device, codenamed J700, has already entered early production and is expected to launch in 2026, possibly debuting during Apple’s Spring Event that year.

The hardware is described as a variant of the MacBook Air, with a smaller LCD display around 12 inches, making it more compact than the current 13.6-inch model. For performance, Apple may opt for an A-series chip rather than the M-series found in higher-end Macs, which would keep costs down while still delivering sufficient performance for students, office workers, and casual users.

Against Chromebooks and Microsoft’s Surface line, the affordable MacBook Air could reinvigorate the budget laptop market, positioning Apple as a strong contender in this segment.