Apple launches MacBook Neo, marking its first low-cost laptop release in a decade

After years of keeping its entry price at $999, Apple has dramatically lowered the barrier to owning a Mac. The company introduced the MacBook Neo, a colorful and lightweight laptop aimed squarely at students and budget-conscious buyers.

The launch marks Apple’s boldest move yet into the affordable laptop space, a market long dominated by Chromebooks and entry-level Windows PCs.

ALSO READ: Quote of the Day by Ozzy Osbourne: 'Of all the things I've lost I miss my mind the most...'—Inspiring quotes by the 'Prince of Darkness'

What makes the Apple MacBook Neo different?

The MacBook Neo stands apart from the rest of Apple’s notebook lineup in both price and design. Starting at $599, it becomes the most affordable Mac laptop in more than ten years.

The device features a 13-inch display, a slim metal body, and a playful color palette that includes indigo, blush, citrus and silver. With dual side-firing speakers and up to 16 hours of battery life, Apple is clearly positioning the Neo as practical but approachable, as per a report by CNBC.

Unlike the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, which run on Apple’s M-series chips, the Neo is powered by the A18 Pro processor, the same silicon family found in the iPhone. That decision allows Apple to significantly lower the price, even if the performance does not match higher-end models.

“There is simply no other laptop like it,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, in a statement. Pre-orders begin Wednesday, with availability starting March 11, as per a report by CNBC.

ALSO READ: Quote of the Day by Russell Crowe: 'You need to learn to live with your mistakes. And you need...'—Inspiring quotes by the Gladiator actor

Why is Apple lowering its Mac entry price now?

The Neo arrives during a busy week of hardware announcements. Apple has already refreshed the iPhone 17e, iPad Air and the full MacBook Pro lineup.

The budget Mac had been widely anticipated. A regulatory filing for Model A3404 briefly appeared on Apple’s EU compliance page before being removed, effectively confirming the device ahead of launch.

At the same time, Mac revenue slipped nearly 7% to $8.39 billion during the holiday quarter, falling short of analyst expectations of around $9 billion. The company is also raising prices elsewhere in its laptop lineup. The 13-inch M5 MacBook Air now starts at $1,099, while the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Max has climbed to $3,899, as per a report by CNBC.

ALSO READ: Apple March Event 2026: Date, time and how to watch in the US and UK

How does it compare to other MacBooks?

The Neo represents a different strategy. Rather than focusing on power upgrades, Apple is targeting classrooms, first-time buyers and iPhone users who have never owned a Mac.

Throughout the week, the company has emphasized faster chips and deeper integration of Apple Intelligence across devices. With the Neo, that broader push extends into a price tier Apple has largely left untouched for years, as per a report by CNBC.

For $599, Apple is reentering the budget laptop conversation, and reshaping the entry point into the Mac ecosystem.

ALSO READ: Nancy Guthrie investigation takes dramatic turn as retired FBI agent points to a ‘big find’

FAQs

How much does the MacBook Neo cost?

The MacBook Neo starts at $599, nearly half the previous $999 entry price for a Mac laptop.

What chip powers the MacBook Neo?

It runs on the A18 Pro chip, the same family of processors used in the iPhone.