The MacBook Neo cuts every time, and very deeply
Apple has introduced the MacBook Neo, a new entry-level laptop designed to make macOS more accessible to a wider audience. Starting at $599, the device is the cheapest MacBook the company has released in years and is aimed at students, first-time Mac users, and consumers considering Chromebooks or Windows laptops.
The laptop marks a significant shift in Apple’s strategy. Instead of relying on older models like the 2020 M1 MacBook Air to serve as a budget option, Apple has introduced a dedicated cheap MacBook designed for more price-sensitive markets. The Neo has a 13-inch display, 8GB of RAM, and storage options starting at 256GB, as well as a magic keyboard, 1080p webcam, and two USB-C ports.
However, the laptop also introduces a number of compromises that make the value proposition more complex than the price suggests.
A budget MacBook built on an iPhone chip
The biggest change with the MacBook Neo is the processor. Instead of Apple’s M-series silicon used in today’s Macs, the device runs on the A18 Pro chip, the same processor that powered the iPhone 16 Pro.
Apple’s thinking seems straightforward: using an iPhone-class processor allows the company to reduce costs while delivering sufficient performance for everyday computing tasks. Tasks like browsing, streaming, online classes, and small productivity work should work fine on the Neo.
The laptop also features colorful finishes including silver, indigo, blush, and citrus, a design decision that clearly targets younger consumers and students.
In theory, the Neo is intended to bring more people into the Mac ecosystem by offering a modern MacBook at a much lower price than the MacBook Air.
Why did Apple build the Neo
Apple’s computer lineup has evolved steadily over the past few years. The latest MacBook Air models now start at higher prices due to increased memory and storage configurations. While this improves performance and longevity, it also pushes entry-level MacBooks away from budget buyers.
Neo fills that gap. By launching the MacBook at $599, Apple can compete directly with Chromebooks and less expensive Windows laptops, especially in the education market where price is often a big factor.
The strategy could also expand Apple’s user base. Students or first-time buyers who start with the Neo may end up upgrading to higher-end MacBooks in the future.
Why does Neo feel overly compromised
Despite the attractive price, the MacBook Neo makes a few design choices that feel overly restrictive. Some of these restrictions appear to be in place to protect the MacBook Air’s position in Apple’s lineup.
For example, the 256GB base model does not include Touch ID, meaning buyers must upgrade to the 512GB version to get fingerprint authentication. The laptop also ships with a 20W charger, which is unusually slow for a portable battery and can lead to noticeably longer charging times.
Memory is another concern. The Neo includes 8GB of RAM with no upgrade options, which can limit performance as software becomes more demanding over time. Reports also suggest that the device does not have fast connection features like Thunderbolt and instead features simple USB-C ports.
These compromises can make the Neo feel a little less future-proof compared to other Apple laptops.
So it goes deep, and very often
Apple has opened pre-orders for the MacBook Neo, with shipments expected to begin on March 11.
The company is likely to market the laptop more toward students and budget buyers, especially with discounts for education and campus programs.
Whether the Neo becomes a big success will depend on how consumers weigh its price against its limitations. If the device draws enough new users into the Mac ecosystem, it could become one of Apple’s best-selling laptops.
At the same time, many consumers may find that spending more money on a MacBook Air yields a more capable device. The Neo may be affordable, but the number of compromises it makes suggests Apple designed it carefully
