Apple has unveiled the MacBook Neo, its most affordable laptop ever, marking a major push into the budget computer market. The new device starts at $599, significantly lower than Apple’s previous entry-level laptops and aimed at competing with Chromebooks and low-cost Windows PCs.
The MacBook Neo features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, 8GB of unified memory and storage options starting at 256GB. It runs on the A18 Pro chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 16 Pro, rather than Apple’s traditional M-series Mac chips. This change helps keep the price lower while still offering strong everyday performance for students and casual users.
Apple says the laptop includes a Magic Keyboard, multi-touch trackpad, 1080p FaceTime camera, two USB-C ports and spatial-audio speakers, with battery life reaching up to 16 hours. The device will be available in four colors: silver, indigo, blush and citrus.
To maintain its budget price, the MacBook Neo skips some features found in higher-end Macs, such as Thunderbolt ports, MagSafe charging and faster charging capabilities. Some models may also offer Touch ID only on higher storage variants.
Pre-orders opened immediately following the announcement, with shipping and retail availability expected to begin March 11. Analysts say the device could help Apple reach a wider audience, particularly students and first-time Mac users looking for a more affordable entry into the company’s ecosystem.
The launch is part of a broader product refresh that also includes new MacBook Air models and other Apple devices, as the company aims to maintain its position in an increasingly competitive global laptop market.
