Apple is reportedly lining up one of its busiest Mac cycles in years and it’s starting with a cheaper MacBook.In his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that the Cupertino giant is preparing to launch a low-cost MacBook priced well under $1,000, alongside a wave of other Mac updates over the next few weeks.Also Read: Here’s what you can expect from Apple’s upcoming MacBook Pro launchA budget MacBook but not plasticThe new machine, said to be internally code-named J700, will run on an iPhone chip instead of Apple’s M-series processors. According to Gurman, it will also feature a slightly smaller display, just under 13 inches, and other compromises compared with the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.But Apple isn’t cutting corners on build quality.Unlike many lower-priced laptops, this one won’t be plastic. Gurman reports it will have a full aluminum chassis, with Apple developing a faster, more cost-effective manufacturing process to keep costs in check while maintaining its premium feel.The company is expected to target students and enterprise users. And in a notable shift, the laptop could come in brighter, more playful colours. Apple has tested light yellow, light green, blue, pink, silver and dark gray finishes — though not all may ship.The device could debut as early as March, with Apple reportedly preparing for an event that month.Also Read: Apple fends off 4G wireless patent lawsuit at third trial“Huge year for the Mac”Beyond the budget model, Gurman said on X that he expects new MacBook Airs, MacBook Pros and Mac displays “over the course of the next several weeks.” A new Mac Studio, iMac and Mac mini are also slated for this year.“It’s a huge year for the Mac,” he wrote adding that this doesn’t even include the touch-screen MacBook Pro planned for late 2026.iPads and iPhone 17e on deckThe near-term pipeline isn’t limited to Macs. Gurman said Apple is also readying the iPhone 17e, a new entry-level iPad and updated iPad Air models. He does not expect a new iPad Pro anytime soon. In fact, he noted that his own iPad usage dropped significantly after the 2018 iPad Pro — though he described the newer M4/M5-era design as “hard to stop using,” recommending it.In his newsletter, Gurman also said a revamped iPad mini with an OLED display is in the works for later this year.Siri slips, againOn the software side, Apple’s overhauled Siri continues to face delays.The new assistant — first unveiled in June 2024 with deeper access to personal data and on-screen content — won’t fully arrive with iOS 26.4. Some features are now expected in iOS 26.5, while others are being pushed to iOS 27.Apple has publicly maintained that the rollout will happen in 2026. But internally, timelines have shifted multiple times. If features land later next year, it would mark nearly a two-year gap between announcement and release.The delay highlights Apple’s AI challenges as rivals like OpenAI move quickly. Gurman also flagged uncertainty around Apple’s reported AI collaboration with Google.
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