Apple has just introduced what it’s calling its most affordable notebook yet: the MacBook Neo. After plenty of rumors about a lower-cost Apple laptop, this new model arrives with a budget-friendly price, a fresh design approach, and four eye-catching color options. It’s also powered by the previous-generation A18 Pro chipset, positioning it as an entry-level Mac meant to go head-to-head with similarly priced laptops from other brands.
The MacBook Neo starts at $599 with 256GB of storage, a price point that’s expected to undercut a lot of the competition in the affordable notebook category. Buyers who want more space can also choose a 512GB version.
Up front, the MacBook Neo features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with a 2,408 x 1,506 resolution and up to 500 nits of brightness. One of the more interesting choices here is the front design: instead of using a notch or any kind of screen cutout, Apple has gone with uniform bezels, similar to the look seen on the iPad lineup. The result is a clean, symmetrical display that feels modern and a bit more “future-forward” than many laptops in this price range.
Apple also appears to be aiming the MacBook Neo directly at students and budget-focused buyers. There’s expected to be a student price of $499, which would make it an especially aggressive option for school, everyday productivity, and general use.
Battery life is positioned as a major selling point, with Apple claiming up to 16 hours on a single charge. For video calls and online classes, there’s a 1080p front-facing camera. You also get Touch ID for quick biometric login and purchases, plus dual-firing speakers with Spatial Audio support for a more immersive sound experience.
On the connectivity side, the MacBook Neo includes two USB-C ports. However, Apple notes data transfer speeds are limited to 10Gb/s, suggesting these ports likely don’t support Thunderbolt. In good news for wired headphone users, the 3.5mm audio jack is still here.
For anyone who cares about style, the MacBook Neo will be available in Silver, Indigo, Blush, and Citrus. Pre-orders begin today, and the official release is set for March 11, which falls on a Wednesday.
