The iPhone 16 Pro’s chip is so powerful, Apple put it in a laptop
Source: Android Authority
TL;DR
- Apple has launched the MacBook Neo, its most affordable laptop yet, starting at $599 ($499 for education).
- It is powered by the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro, making it the first Mac to use an iPhone SoC.
- The 13‑inch laptop features 16 hours of battery life, a 1080p FaceTime camera, and runs macOS Tahoe.
The iPhone 16 Pro was launched in September 2024, going head‑to‑head against Android flagships like the Google Pixel 9 Pro and the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Apple’s lead in SoC performance is no secret, and the company is capitalizing on its success by putting the iPhone 16 Pro’s chip in a laptop. Meet the new Apple MacBook Neo, powered by the Apple A18 Pro chip.
Overview
The new MacBook Neo is Apple’s newest and cheapest laptop, lowering the price barrier to owning a Mac. Instead of featuring an M‑series processor like the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, the MacBook Neo packs the Apple A18 Pro chip, last used in the iPhone 16 Pro. The chip’s performance headroom is enough to handle everyday tasks—browsing the web, streaming content—as well as photo editing, creative hobbies, and on‑device AI across apps.
Apple claims the A18 Pro is up to 50 % faster for everyday tasks like web browsing, and up to 3× faster for on‑device AI workloads, compared to the “bestselling PC with the latest shipping Intel Core Ultra 5.” The testing was done on a MacBook Neo with A18 Pro (6‑core CPU, 5‑core GPU, 8 GB unified memory, 256 GB SSD) versus an Intel Core Ultra 5‑based laptop (Intel graphics, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, Windows 11 Home).
Design and Display
The MacBook Neo features a 13‑inch Liquid Retina display (2,408 × 1,506 resolution) with 500 nits of brightness and an anti‑reflective coating. The aluminum chassis weighs just 1.22 kg.
Battery, Camera, and Audio
Apple promises 16 hours of battery life on a single charge. It includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, dual microphones, and dual side‑firing speakers with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support. The device also sports Apple’s Magic Keyboard (color‑matched to the body) and a large multi‑touch trackpad.
Ports and Connectivity
- Two USB‑C ports (one USB 3.0, one USB 2.0)
- Headphone jack
- Wi‑Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 6
Operating System
Even though it uses an iPhone chip, the MacBook Neo runs macOS Tahoe.
Storage, Memory, and Security
- 256 GB and 512 GB storage options, both with 8 GB of unified RAM.
- The 512 GB model includes a Touch ID sensor for fingerprint unlocking.
- Comes with a 20 W USB‑C power adapter and USB‑C cable.
Apple MacBook Neo Pricing and Availability
- 256 GB model: $599 (education $499)
- 512 GB model: $699 (education $599)
Pre‑orders begin today, with availability starting Wednesday, March 11. Color options are Blush, Indigo, Silver, and Citrus.