Apple announces $599 MacBook Neo running A18 Pro chip — budget laptop features 16-hour battery and comes in fun colors
Source: Tom’s Hardware
Image credit: Tom’s Hardware
Overview
Apple finally unveiled its long‑rumored budget laptop, the MacBook Neo, in simultaneous events in New York, London, and Shanghai. The device is powered by the Apple A18 Pro processor (2 performance cores, 6 efficiency cores, 5‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine), the same chip used in the iPhone 16 Pro.
Targeting Chromebook and low‑end Windows users—as well as anyone who wanted a MacBook but found the price prohibitive—the Neo retains an aluminum chassis and introduces a palette of vibrant colors not seen on an Apple laptop since the iBook G3 in 1999.
Image credit: Tom’s Hardware
Design and Display
- Screen: 13‑inch Liquid Retina display, 2408 × 1506 resolution, up to 500 nits brightness.
- Audio: Side‑firing speakers with Dolby Atmos support.
- Camera: 1080p webcam.
- Ports: Two USB‑C ports – one USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) and one USB 3.0 (up to 10 Gbps with DisplayPort support). Only a single external monitor is supported.
- Other: 3.5 mm headphone jack, multi‑touch trackpad (no haptic feedback), non‑backlit keyboard.
- Dimensions & Weight: 0.5 inches thick, 2.7 lb.
The aluminum chassis feels premium for the price point, and the trackpad offers the smooth, Apple‑typical experience, albeit without the haptic feedback found on higher‑end MacBooks.
Battery and Performance
- Battery: 36.5 WHr, advertised up to 16 hours of usage on a single charge.
- RAM: 8 GB (no configurable options).
- Storage: 256 GB or 512 GB SSD.
Both configurations support Apple Intelligence, and the 512 GB model adds Touch ID.
Pricing and Availability
- 256 GB model: Starts at $599 and is available in silver, indigo, blush, and citrus.
- 512 GB model: Priced at $699, includes Touch ID.
Pre‑orders opened on the announcement day, with shipments slated to begin on March 11.
Hands‑On Impressions
Early testing shows the Neo’s aluminum build feels solid and premium for its price. The trackpad is smooth, though it lacks the tactile haptic feedback of more expensive MacBooks. The absence of a backlit keyboard is noticeable, especially compared to other modern laptops, but this trade‑off helps keep the starting price well below that of the new M5 MacBook Air.
Image credit: Tom’s Hardware