Apple's $599 MacBook Neo is here: Is this the budget Mac you've been waiting for?

Source: ZDNet

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Apple just announced a new “cheap” MacBook for $599.
• It’s called the MacBook Neo, and it comes in multiple “playful” colors.
• It uses the A18 chip – the same processor found in the iPhone 16 Pro.

After months of rumors and speculation, Apple unveiled its latest entry‑level addition to the MacBook lineup: the MacBook Neo. Priced at $599 and equipped with an A18 processor, the Neo targets budget PCs and Chromebooks in the low‑end market—a segment where Apple has historically had little presence.

Entry-level MacBook

The Neo arrives at a time of soaring RAM prices, update fatigue, planned obsolescence, and AI dominance in the industry. It’s a 2.74‑lb, colorful laptop with a breezy price tag and a simplified outlook. It isn’t designed for running local LLMs or editing 8K video; it’s meant for web browsing, email, and iPhone connectivity—everyday tasks for most users.

The A18 processor delivers solid performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and media, though its raw power is limited compared to the new M5 chips found in the latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models. The Neo’s 13‑inch Liquid Retina display offers 500 nits of brightness and a 2408 × 1506 resolution, paired with a 1080p FaceTime HD webcam.

Hardware highlights:

• No N1 chipset (found in M5‑based Air/Pro devices)
• Wi‑Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6 support
• Two USB‑C ports (not Thunderbolt‑enabled)

Also: Apple’s March event live blog: Every new product and updates from the show

Did I mention the colors?

The Neo is offered in lime green, yellow, and pink, a stark departure from the traditionally business‑focused Space Gray or Black MacBooks. This color variety signals Apple’s willingness to step outside the monotone aesthetic that has dominated its laptop lineup for years.

The 12.9‑inch Neo allows Apple to compete directly with cheap PCs and Chromebooks—segments where it previously had little sway. As the entry‑level device, it sits below the recently announced MacBook Air M5 and MacBook Pro and Pro Max M5, which saw price increases of $100‑$400, pushing those models further into premium territory to make room for the affordable Neo.

Also: The new MacBook Air M5 costs $100 more – here’s what that gets you

The MacBook Neo is available for pre‑order on Apple’s store today, with general retail availability beginning March 11th.