Apple’s cheapest laptop in years is finally here to challenge Chromebooks
What you need to know
- The new $599 MacBook Neo marks Apple’s most affordable MacBook in years, targeting Chromebooks and entry-level Windows PCs.
- However, instead of an M-series processor, the Neo runs on the A18 Pro.
- The laptop runs macOS Tahoe, along with features like iPhone Mirroring and Apple Intelligence.
- With vibrant color options and an educational price as low as $499, Apple is going after consumers who often choose Chromebooks.
Apple has often stayed out of the budget laptop market. That’s why the new MacBook Neo is such a big change.
At $599, this is Apple’s most affordable MacBook in years, the company says. It’s aimed at a market typically filled by Chromebooks and entry-level Windows PCs. For students, first-time laptop buyers, and anyone just looking for a simple everyday machine, Apple simply offers a very low price to get into macOS.
Until now, the cheapest MacBook was the MacBook Air, which starts at $1,099 for the latest models. The Neo is nearly $400 less than any new MacBook before it, creating a clear gap between this budget option and the rest of the lineup.
A Mac powered by an iPhone chip
To lower the price, Apple made a bold move. The MacBook Neo uses the A18 Pro chip, which is the same processor found in the iPhone 16 Pro.
This is different from the usual laptops with M-series chips, but it is similar to what the Neo is intended for: everyday tasks such as browsing, working with documents, video calls, and streaming.
Still, the hardware is solid. The Neo has a 13-inch Liquid Retina display (resolution 2408 × 1506, brightness up to 500 nits), 8GB of integrated memory, storage options of 256GB or 512GB, Magic Keyboard, large multi-touch trackpad, 1080p FaceTime with camera and Dolby-by-6 sound speakers, side-firing 6. hours of battery life.
The laptop comes with macOS Tahoe and supports features like iPhone Mirroring and Apple Intelligence tools. It still fits well into Apple’s larger device ecosystem.
Pre-orders are open now, and the MacBook Neo will be available from March 11.
Apple has cut corners, and that’s on purpose
The Neo’s price tag doesn’t come without trade-offs. The $599 base model includes 256GB of storage, but skips Touch ID, while the $699 version adds 512GB and a fingerprint sensor. There’s also no option for more than 8GB of RAM, and storage tops out at 512GB.
There are a few other features that are missing. The Neo has no Thunderbolt ports, MagSafe charging, fast charging, or a backlit keyboard. It only supports Wi-Fi 6E.
Apple’s mission is clear. It’s aimed at price-sensitive buyers, especially students and casual users who might prefer a Chromebook or a less expensive Windows laptop.
The colorful design supports this goal. The MacBook Neo is available in Citrus, Blush, Indigo, and Silver, with matching keyboards. This makes it feel more like Apple’s gaming iMacs than the usual standard MacBooks.
Apple also has an introductory price as low as $499, putting the Neo right in the same price range as mid-range Chromebooks.
Android Central Take
The MacBook Neo could be a big deal for a lot of people. The $599 Mac makes it very easy to join the Apple ecosystem, especially for students and casual users who just need something reliable for schoolwork, browsing, and streaming. Specifications are basic, but if Apple can deliver the smooth macOS experience people expect, this could finally give consumers a real alternative to Chromebooks and low-end Windows laptops, without spending more than a thousand bucks.
