Apple has introduced the MacBook Neo, a new entry-level laptop aimed at expanding access to its macOS ecosystem, marking one of the company’s most aggressive moves into the budget PC segment.
Positioned below the MacBook Air, the MacBook Neo is designed to attract students and first-time Mac users with a significantly lower starting price — around $599 globally — making it the most affordable MacBook to date.
The device features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display and runs on Apple’s A18 Pro chip, the same processor used in its iPhone lineup, rather than the more powerful M-series chips found in higher-end Macs.
Apple said the laptop is capable of handling everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and multitasking, with battery life of up to 16 hours on a single charge.
The MacBook Neo comes in multiple color options — including blush, indigo, silver, and citrus — and uses a durable aluminum enclosure.
The launch comes alongside refreshed MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models powered by new M5-series chips, as Apple broadens its lineup to cover both premium and budget segments.
With the Neo, Apple is seeking to compete more directly with Chromebooks and low-cost Windows laptops, particularly in education and price-sensitive markets, while maintaining its design and ecosystem advantages.
