US EditionApple Debuts $599 MacBook Neo to Challenge Chromebooks, Windows PCs
Apple launches the MacBook Neo with the A18 chip to target budget laptop buyers and compete with Chromebooks, starting at $599 with up to 16 hours of battery life.
- On March 4, 2026, Apple introduced the MacBook Neo, available for pre-order now at $599, with education customers paying $499; general retail availability begins March 11.
- Apple unveiled the Neo to take aim at budget PCs and Chromebooks, raising MacBook Air M5 and MacBook Pro M5 prices to make room and replace the 13-inch MacBook Air.
- Powered by an A18 Pro chip like the iPhone 16 Pro, the Neo pares back to five GPU cores, 8GB memory, a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, 1080p FaceTimeHD webcam, and USB‑C ports.
- Weighing 2.74 pounds, Apple framed the Neo as a breezy, affordable laptop with colors recalling the iBook G3 and current iMac design, signaling diversification.
- Despite Apple Intelligence support, the MacBook Neo favors web and email over heavy local compute workloads, and may struggle with professional apps or 8K editing.
107 Articles
107 Articles
A is for affordable: Apple launches $599 MacBook Neo
Apple Inc. rolled out the $599 MacBook Neo in its biggest push yet into low-end laptops, aiming to challenge Windows PCs and Chromebooks for budget-minded shoppers. The machine is $400 less than any new-generation laptop Apple has sold before, coming in well below the now $1,099 MacBook Air. The MacBook Neo will be offered in citrus, silver, indigo and blush color options, potentially making it appealing both to students and mainstream consumers…
Apple's $599 MacBook Neo is a stylish compromise
Cupertino grabs an aging A18 Pro from parts bin to power its latest attempt at an entry-level MacBook You'll soon be able to get a MacBook that's cheaper than many budget PCs. Apple on Wednesday unveiled the MacBook Neo, a $599 exercise in cost cutting powered by the same silicon as an iPhone 16 Pro.…
MacBook Neo vs. M5 MacBook Air: All the trade-offs you'll make to save $500
Apple is looking to gain a foothold in the more budget-friendly end of the laptop market with the MacBook Neo. The system starts at $599, which is darn inexpensive for an Apple laptop — it even has the same starting price as the M4 iPad Air. As such, the MacBook Neo should help Apple compete with cheap Windows laptops and Chromebooks. Pricing it at $499 for educational use won’t exactly hurt either.Apple is really lowering the cost of entry for …
Apple of all people is going against the trend of rising prices – and relying on low-priced entry-level products. The new Macbook Neo is actually an iPhone in the other garment. It's all a number smaller than usual. Instead of visiting California, Apple invited to London, instead of an hour-long product fireworks, the company only showed a new device on stage. The Macbook Neo is the most colorful, but also the cheapest notebook Apple has ever pr…
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