Apple is reportedly planning to release its first low-cost Mac laptop in the first half of 2026, with a price tag below $1,000. The move is seen as part of Apple’s strategy to compete more directly with Microsoft in the entry-level PC market. The new device will mark Apple’s first significant expansion into the budget laptop segment, which has long been dominated by Windows-based PCs and Chromebooks. Analysts say a lower-priced Mac could attract students, first-time buyers, and users in emerging markets, broadening Apple’s customer base beyond its traditional premium niche.