Apple launched the MacBook Neo for US$599, the most affordable notebook in the company’s history, equipped with the A18 Pro chip adapted from the iPhone 16 The model starts at a price of US$499 for educational customers in the Estados Unidos, placing it below the MacBook Air with M5 chip, which starts at US$1,099. The strategy seeks to expand Apple’s presence in the entry-level segment, competing directly with low-cost Windows and Chromebooks laptops, maintaining the macOS ecosystem and support for features such as Apple Intelligence.
The device offers adequate performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing and media consumption, with speeds up to 50% faster than PCs with Intel Core Ultra 5 in everyday activities. However, to achieve the reduced price, the Apple implemented several simplifications compared to the MacBook Air.
Main hardware differences
The MacBook Essa configuration provides good performance in light tasks, but lags behind the MacBook M5 Air, which offers gains of up to 80% in multi-core and more powerful GPU.
RAM memory is fixed at 8 GB, with no upgrade options, enough to run Apple Intelligence, but limited for heavy multitasking. Storage starts at 256 GB, upgradeable to 512 GB for an additional $100.
Battery and charging
The battery has a capacity of 36.5 Wh, delivering up to 16 hours of video playback, less than the 18 hours of the MacBook Air. Charging occurs exclusively via USB-C, without MagSafe support, and includes a 20 W adapter, without fast charging.
The thicker design, at 0.50 inches tall, accommodates the smaller battery compared to the similar size of the Air. Usuários report satisfactory autonomy for daily use, but recommend planning for long journeys.
Screen and design
The 13-inch Liquid Retina screen operates at 60 Hz, with sRGB color gamut and no True Tone, contrasting with the 13.6-inch screen of the The bezels are thicker, without a notch, and the FaceTime HD camera maintains 1080p resolution.
Available colors include blush, indigo, citrus and silver, expanding aesthetic options to attract a young audience. The weight is around 2.7 pounds, making portability easier.
Ports and connectivity
The notebook has two USB-C ports: one with USB 3 (10 Gb/s and DisplayPort 1.4) and the other USB 2 (480 Mb/s). Suporta only an external display in 4K at 60 Hz, without Thunderbolt or full compatibility with Studio monitors
Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E, without the new N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 present in the Air. Há 3.5 mm jack for headphones, but without support for high impedance headphones.
Peripherals and features
The trackpad is Multi-Touch mechanical, without Force Touch or advanced haptic feedback. The keyboard does not have backlighting, and Touch ID only appears on the 512 GB version.
The audio system uses two speakers with spatial audio, lower than the four in the Air. The camera does not offer Center Stage or Desk View, and there is no physical indicator light.
Target audience and positioning
The MacBook Neo serves students, teachers, and entry-level users who prioritize price and the Apple ecosystem. Apple highlights that the model outperforms equivalent PCs in everyday speed and on-device AI tasks.
Pre-sales started on March 4, 2026, with deliveries starting on March 11. The launch takes place alongside the update of the MacBook Air with M5 and new MacBook Pro.
Practical comparison
In real-world use, the MacBook Neo handles browsing, streaming, and light apps well, but limitations in RAM and GPU affect advanced editing or rendering. Upgrading to 512 GB adds value by including Touch ID.
Apple maintains focus on security and integration with services like iCloud and Apple Intelligence, even with cuts.
The MacBook Neo represents Apple’s bet on sales volume in the affordable segment, with projections of millions of units in 2026.
