Apple’s new entry-level Mac laptop computer, the MacBook Neo is on show throughout an occasion in New York Metropolis, U.S., March 4, 2026
| Photograph Credit score:
Shannon Stapleton
Apple Inc. rolled out the $599 MacBook Neo in its greatest push but into low-end laptops, aiming to problem Windows PCs and Chromebooks for budget-minded buyers.
The machine is $400 lower than any new-generation laptop computer Apple has offered earlier than, coming in nicely beneath the now $1,099 MacBook Air. The MacBook Neo can be provided in citrus, silver, indigo and blush shade choices, probably making it interesting each to college students and mainstream shoppers.
The MacBook has a 13-inch display, making it one of many firm’s smallest laptops to this point. The MacBook Air, in distinction, provides a 13.6-inch show. One other twist: The Neo runs on an iPhone A18 Professional chip, marking the primary time Apple is utilizing a smartphone processor in a Mac.
The discharge is a significant shift for Apple, which has been reluctant for many years to launch a low-end Mac laptop computer. However the velocity of its iPhone processors allowed the corporate to carry its pricing down measurably with out sacrificing efficiency.
In an announcement, John Ternus, Apple’s {hardware} engineering chief, stated that the MacBook Neo was “constructed from the bottom as much as be extra reasonably priced for much more individuals.”
The bottom mannequin consists of 256 gigabytes of storage, whereas a $699 upgraded model doubles the capability and provides Contact ID for logging into and approving funds. There are additionally $100 reductions on every mannequin for schooling patrons.
The gadget has 16 hours of battery life, which compares with the 18 hours for the most recent MacBook Air — a mannequin that has a M5 chip. The show runs at as much as 500 nits of brightess, matching the Air, and the laptop computer is available in at 2.7 kilos.
Past focusing on extra downscale buyers, Apple will be capable of pitch the pc as an possibility for company and organizational patrons — given its lower cost and compatibility with each Mac and iPhone apps.
The Neo runs at speeds highly effective sufficient for day by day duties like net looking, phrase processing, picture modifying and videoconferencing. Even with the iPhone chip, the machine nonetheless runs the identical macOS working system discovered on different Macs.
The MacBook Neo remains to be comprised of aluminum, the identical premium materials used with higher-end Mac laptops and desktops. It additionally has a full keyboard and trackpad, assist for WiFi 6E and a 1080P FaceTime digicam, specs that path the Air and different Apple laptops.
The gadget has two USB-C ports and a headphone jack for connectivity. Bloomberg Information reported that the lower-cost MacBook was within the works in November.
The machine is costlier than the most cost effective Chromebooks and Windows PCs, which might promote for as little as $200 to $600. However, compared to these merchandise, Apple’s providing is much extra premium given its design, options and inside elements. The corporate says its machine runs 3 times quicker for synthetic intelligence than rival PC laptops.
Apple is anticipating an inflow of recent clients to its shops to check out the brand new providing. Apple sees a chance to attract new clients into its product ecosystem. That would open up additional alternatives to promote further gadgets, like iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches.
The Cupertino, California-based firm is coming off a disappointing vacation season for the Mac, with gross sales of the pc line dropping 6.7% to $8.39 billion. Analysts had projected greater than $9 billion.
The launch caps off an intensive week of product releases for Apple, which launched the iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air on Monday and new variations of the MacBook Professional, MacBook Air and its Studio Show exterior screens on Tuesday.
Later this yr, Apple is poised to interrupt with custom once more with plans for a touch-screen Mac.
Extra tales like this can be found on bloomberg.com
Revealed on March 4, 2026
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