Apple Introduces $599 MacBook Neo Powered by the A18 Pro Chip

Apple has expanded its Mac lineup with the introduction of the MacBook Neo, a new entry-level laptop designed to make macOS more accessible while maintaining modern performance and efficiency. Starting at $599, the MacBook Neo becomes the most affordable notebook Apple has ever released and introduces a notable shift in Apple’s chip strategy by using a processor originally developed for the iPhone.

The new laptop is powered by the A18 Pro chip, the same processor first introduced in the iPhone 16 Pro. Apple says the chip delivers strong everyday performance for tasks such as browsing, writing, photo editing, and running productivity apps. The company also highlighted improved machine learning performance, with the system capable of handling AI workloads several times faster than many mainstream PCs in its class.

The MacBook Neo features a 13 inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2408 by 1506 and brightness reaching up to 500 nits. The screen includes an anti reflective coating designed to reduce glare when working in bright environments. Unlike recent MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models, the display uses symmetrical bezels instead of a notch, giving the laptop a design more similar to Apple’s iPad lineup.

Apple is positioning the MacBook Neo as a lightweight and portable system for students and everyday users. The laptop weighs approximately 2.7 pounds and comes in several new color finishes including Silver, Indigo, Blush, and Citrus. The colors extend to the keyboard and wallpapers, giving the device a more playful design compared with Apple’s traditional Mac notebooks.

Connectivity includes two USB C ports and a headphone jack. One port supports USB C 3 speeds for faster data transfers, while the second port supports basic USB connectivity for accessories and charging. Wireless connectivity includes Wi Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6, helping the system maintain reliable connections with modern routers and peripherals.

Apple also equipped the MacBook Neo with a 1080p front facing camera, dual microphones with beamforming technology for clearer voice capture, and stereo speakers that support Spatial Audio for more immersive sound during video playback and calls.

Battery life is rated at up to 16 hours, allowing the laptop to last through a full day of work or classes without needing to recharge. The base configuration includes 8GB of unified memory and 256GB of storage, while a higher tier version offers 512GB of storage and a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.

Apple also emphasized sustainability in the design of the MacBook Neo. The laptop is built using a large percentage of recycled materials, including recycled aluminum in the enclosure and recycled cobalt in the battery, making it the company’s lowest carbon Mac to date.

The MacBook Neo can be preordered starting today, with availability beginning March 11. Pricing starts at $599, while education customers can purchase the device at a discounted starting price of $499.