MacBook Neo, despite the huge number of drawbacks found in it, turned out to be so popular that Apple faced an unexpected problem — the supply of A18 Pro processors that power this laptop is running out. The company is negotiating with suppliers for additional production, but any solution will cost money — and possibly cost buyers more too.
MacBook Neo turned out to be too popular
What Processor Does the MacBook Neo Run On
Few people noticed this at launch, but the MacBook Neo doesn’t run on fresh chips. Inside is the A18 Pro from the iPhone 16 Pro — a previous-generation processor, and not new units either, but ones left over from the previous production cycle. At the same time, in terms of performance it even surpasses the MacBook Air M1.
Inside is a not-quite-ordinary A18 Pro
The Neo uses so-called “binned” chips — A18 Pro units where one of the six graphics cores turned out to be defective. Instead of six GPU cores like in the iPhone 16 Pro, the Neo got five. Essentially, Apple put to use chips that would otherwise have been scrapped — meaning their cost to the company was close to zero.
This is exactly what allowed Apple to set a starting price of $599 (approximately from 65,000 ₽ in Russia) for the 256 GB version and $699 (approximately from 76,000 ₽ in Russia) for the 512 GB model. For a Mac, this is unprecedentedly cheap.
How Many MacBook Neos Will Apple Produce
Initially, Apple planned to produce 5 to 6 million MacBook Neos — and stop there. Assembly is split equally between Quanta and Foxconn at factories in Vietnam and China. The next Neo model based on binned A19 Pro chips was planned for release only next year.
But sales exceeded expectations, and now Apple faces a choice: let supplies run out and leave unmet demand, or order a new batch of processors — but at a completely different price.
Why Apple Can’t Produce More A18 Pro Chips
The A18 Pro was manufactured on TSMC’s 3-nanometer process (to put it simply — this is the chip manufacturing technology that affects their power and energy efficiency). The problem is that TSMC’s production capacity for this process is currently fully loaded and essentially sold out.
Apple could theoretically ask TSMC to urgently allocate production lines — so-called “hot lots” with a surcharge for priority. But this would kill the very margin that made the Neo a profitable product. Another option is to redistribute its own ordered capacity from other devices, but this would also cost more than the previous “free” chips.
On top of this, there’s a rise in component prices: aluminum, RAM, and flash storage. Even with Apple’s market power, every additional component now costs more.
Will the MacBook Neo Get More Expensive
If Apple does decide to order an additional batch — and we’re talking about 10,000–30,000 silicon wafers, yielding from 2.3 to 7 million chips — a price increase is practically inevitable. The report’s author outlines several possible scenarios:
Apple created an excellent workhorse, but should they raise its price?
- Drop the entry-level $599 model with 256 GB and keep only the $699 version with 512 GB — this won’t fully solve the problem but will soften the hit to margins.
- Release the Neo in new colors (for example, (Product) RED), add a free year of 200 GB iCloud storage, and raise the price — similar to how Apple gives away Apple TV+ to buyers of new devices.
- A “Neo Ultra” with six graphics cores instead of five is theoretically possible, but the author considers this unlikely.
An important nuance: even if Apple orders full-fledged A18 Pro chips (rather than binned ones), the new Neos would still need to have one GPU core disabled so that all devices in the lineup perform identically.
Why Did Apple Release a Cheap MacBook
Mac has historically held about 10% of the PC market — it’s a niche product for designers, developers, and those willing to pay a premium. MacBook Neo is Apple’s first serious attempt to expand the Mac audience through an affordable price.
The report’s author highlights an important trend: as professional tasks — video editing, coding, data processing — move to the cloud and are performed with the help of AI, the need for powerful local computers decreases. MacBook Neo is precisely the “lightweight laptop with internet” that’s sufficient for this.
There are concerns that the Neo will cannibalize MacBook Air and Pro sales. But in the long term, the author believes it will more likely lure users away from Windows PCs, especially in the corporate segment where more and more software runs through browsers. Additionally, the Neo’s replacement cycle, by his estimate, will be closer to iPhone (2–3 years) rather than typical laptops (5–7 years), which benefits Apple.
Should You Buy the MacBook Neo Now
The situation is unfolding right now, and neither Apple nor its suppliers have made a final decision yet. But if you’re eyeing the MacBook Neo, there are a few things to consider.
If you’re looking for an affordable laptop, Neo is an excellent choice
If the entry-level $599 model with 256 GB is still available — it makes sense not to wait on the purchase. It’s the one most likely to disappear first. If Apple decides to continue production, the price will almost certainly go up, and the most affordable configuration may simply not return.
For those who need a full-fledged work tool with power to spare, the Neo was never the best choice to begin with — it’s a laptop for basic tasks, internet, and cloud-based work. But as a first Mac or a gift — it hits a price niche that Apple simply never played in before. And judging by sales, the aim was spot on.
