Apple on Wednesday unveiled the MacBook Neo, a new entry-level laptop aimed at offering an accessible price point for consumers, starting at $599. The device, previewed at events in New York, Shanghai, and London, represents a significant addition to Apple’s Mac lineup, and a potential alternative for those considering Windows laptops or Chromebooks. MacRumors’ videographer Dan Barbera was among the media invited to get a first seem at the new machine, alongside the new Studio Display XDR.
The MacBook Neo distinguishes itself with a familiar design language, closely resembling the MacBook Air in size and utilizing an aluminum chassis. Weighing in at 2.7 pounds, it features a 13-inch display but is slightly thicker than its Air counterpart. Apple is offering the MacBook Neo in a range of colors – Silver, Indigo, Blush, and Citrus – with matching keyboards and trackpads. However, some features found in higher-end Macs have been streamlined to achieve the lower price.
A New Design Approach, With Trade-offs
One of the most noticeable design choices is the adoption of an iPad-style aesthetic, foregoing the traditional notch in favor of thicker bezels that house the front-facing camera. This design choice, while functional, contributes to a slightly less premium sense compared to the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. The keyboard lacks backlighting, and the trackpad is a physical, click-based model, differing from the Force Touch trackpad found on other Apple laptops. Notably, the trackpad does not support multi-touch gestures.
Speakers are positioned on the exterior sides of the device, a departure from previous designs, and support for Spatial Audio is included. While Apple describes the overall feel as “excellent for the price,” the thicker bezels and trackpad changes do contribute to a more budget-conscious experience.
Power and Performance: The A18 Pro Chip
Under the hood, the MacBook Neo is powered by the A18 Pro chip, originally introduced in the iPhone 16 Pro. While a powerful chip in its own right, it doesn’t quite match the performance capabilities of Apple’s newer M-series silicon. The device is equipped with 8GB of RAM and 60GB/s of memory bandwidth, half that of the MacBook Air.
Apple claims the MacBook Neo delivers up to 50 percent faster performance for everyday tasks compared to the bestselling PC with an Intel Core Ultra 5 chip. The company also states the new laptop is up to two times faster at photo editing and three times faster for on-device AI workloads. These performance claims position the MacBook Neo as a compelling option for users seeking a balance between affordability and capability.
Display and Connectivity
The MacBook Neo features a Retina quality display with a brightness of 500 nits. However, it lacks features like True Tone technology and the P3 Wide color gamut found on Apple’s more expensive displays. Connectivity options include two USB-C ports, with only one supporting USB3 with DisplayPort 1.4, allowing for connection to a single 4K 60Hz display.
Battery Life and Wireless Capabilities
Battery life is rated for up to 16 hours, which is somewhat lower than what’s typically seen in a MacBook Air with an A-series chip. The MacBook Neo supports Bluetooth 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring compatibility with 6GHz networks.
The MacBook Neo can be pre-ordered now on Apple.com, with shipping scheduled to initiate on Wednesday, March 11. Apple’s introduction of the MacBook Neo signals a clear intent to broaden its reach within the laptop market, offering a more accessible entry point for consumers.
More in-depth hands-on coverage of the MacBook Neo and Apple’s other new products is expected next week, providing a more comprehensive assessment of the device’s capabilities and overall value.
What does this new, more affordable MacBook mean for Apple’s overall strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
