India, Nov. 5 -- Apple, which has long focused on premium devices, may soon make a rare shift in strategy. Reports suggest that the company is preparing to enter the budget laptop market with an affordable MacBook aimed at students, small businesses and general users. The move could mark Apple's first serious attempt to challenge Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops that currently dominate the education and affordable computing markets.

According to a Bloomberg report citing unnamed sources, Apple is testing a lower-cost MacBook, internally referred to as "J700." The device is currently in its early production phase with overseas suppliers. This model is expected to make its debut in the first half of 2026 and could be priced unde...