Apple has unveiled the MacBook Neo, its first dedicated low-cost laptop in more than 10 years. The new device starts at $599, cutting the entry price for a Mac almost in half.
The MacBook Neo features a 13-inch display, a lightweight metal body and bright color options. It comes in indigo, blush, citrus and silver. Apple says the laptop offers up to 16 hours of battery life and includes dual side-firing speakers.
Unlike the MacBook Air and Pro, the Neo runs on the A18 Pro chip — the same family of processors used in the iPhone. Apple’s higher-end laptops use M-series chips, which are more powerful but also more expensive. The A18 Pro allows Apple to lower the price while keeping performance strong for everyday tasks.
The launch is part of a wider hardware update week. Apple recently refreshed the iPhone 17e, iPad Air and MacBook Pro lineup. The company is also pushing Apple Intelligence features across more affordable devices.
The $599 price marks Apple’s clearest attempt to compete with Google Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops. Those devices are popular with students and first-time buyers. For years, Apple’s cheapest Mac started at $999.
John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, said there is “simply no other laptop like it.” The MacBook Neo goes up for pre-order on Wednesday and will be available from March 11.
The launch comes as Apple faces pressure in its Mac business. Mac revenue fell nearly 7% to $8.39 billion in the recent holiday quarter, below expectations. At the same time, Apple has raised prices on other models, including the MacBook Air and high-end MacBook Pro.
With the Neo, Apple is now targeting budget-conscious households and iPhone users who have never owned a Mac. The move could help the company reach a new group of customers in classrooms and homes around the world.
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