Apple has introduced the MacBook Neo — the most affordable laptop in the current Mac lineup. Its price starts at just $599, and for students and educators, it’s reduced to $499. For Apple, this is an extremely unusual price point, because even basic MacBooks used to cost almost twice as much. The difference between the base MacBook Air and the Neo is like comparing a Mercedes to a budget car. Let’s break down what features were removed from the MacBook Neo, how serious these limitations are, and who this laptop might be suited for.
The MacBook Neo has no shortage of issues. Image: macrumors.com
Why the MacBook Neo Is So Cheap
Even in pink, the computer looks pretty cool. Image: appleinsider.com
The MacBook Neo is the first Apple laptop in a long time that can truly be called budget-friendly. The company decided to create the most affordable model possible for college students, high schoolers, and users who need a simple computer for basic tasks. At $599, it’s the cheapest way to get a full-fledged Mac with macOS.
But to achieve this price, Apple had to make serious compromises. The laptop uses simplified components, a reduced memory configuration, a simpler display, and a limited set of ports. Essentially, the MacBook Neo occupies a niche between the iPad and the full-featured MacBook Air.
Drawbacks of the MacBook Neo
To bring the MacBook Neo’s price down to $599, Apple had to remove or simplify dozens of features. The limitations affect virtually every component — from the processor and memory to the display, ports, and keyboard. The main MacBook Neo compromises:
- Uses the A18 Pro processor instead of the more powerful M-series chips
- The GPU is cut down to 5 cores
- RAM is limited to 8 GB. There is no option to choose a configuration with more RAM
- Memory bandwidth is 60 GB/s — significantly less than the MacBook Air
- The base SSD has a capacity of 256 GB. Maximum storage is limited to 512 GB
- No Wi-Fi 7 support
- The laptop has only two USB-C ports. One port supports USB 3 (up to 10 Gbps), the second port is limited to USB 2 (480 Mbps). There is no Thunderbolt support
- The laptop supports only one external monitor. Maximum external display resolution is 4K at 60 Hz. It cannot drive an Apple Studio Display
- Battery capacity is 36.5 Wh (less than the MacBook Air), with lower battery life — up to 16 hours of video playback
- No fast charging support
- A 20W power adapter is included in the box
- There is no magnetic MagSafe connector; charging is only via USB-C
- The screen has a 13-inch diagonal, and the bezels around the display are noticeably thicker than on any modern MacBook
- No True Tone support
- No wide P3 color gamut
- The keyboard has no backlight
- Touch ID is absent in the base version
- A regular mechanical trackpad is used instead of Force Touch, with no pressure sensitivity detection
- The camera is 1080p FaceTime HD instead of the newer 12 MP, with no Center Stage, Desk View, or camera activity indicator
- A two-speaker system is used instead of four speakers
- Only two microphones are installed
- The 3.5 mm jack does not support high-impedance headphones
I can’t even immediately think of what Apple didn’t simplify. Probably just the body. It was aluminum before, and it still is. The only question is how well the paint holds up on it.
Who Should Buy the MacBook Neo
A youth-oriented computer for everyday use. Image: macworld.com
Despite the large number of limitations, the MacBook Neo still remains a full-fledged macOS computer. It can run all standard Apple applications, work with documents, browsers, email, and video calls. For school tasks, watching videos, and basic work, the A18 Pro’s performance is quite sufficient.
However, this laptop is poorly suited for heavy tasks. Video editing, 3D graphics work, programming large projects, or running local AI models will perform noticeably slower. In such scenarios, the MacBook Air remains the more sensible choice.
Is the MacBook Neo Worth Buying
The MacBook Neo is beautiful and cheap. Those are arguably its only pros amid a ton of cons. Image: engadget.com
The MacBook Neo is a very unusual product for Apple. On one hand, the company is offering a full Mac for the first time at the price of an iPhone — specifically the iPhone 17e. On the other hand, to achieve this price, they had to remove many features that have long been standard for Apple laptops.
For users who need a simple computer for internet browsing, studying, and basic work, the MacBook Neo could be a decent option. But if you’re planning serious work, video editing, or software development, it’s better to go straight for the MacBook Air: pay for the Mercedes and enjoy how well it functions.
