Apple is planning to update the MacBook Neo next year — with an A19 Pro chip and 12 GB of RAM instead of the current 8 GB. This should help eliminate at least one of the many drawbacks of the original MacBook Neo. The information is based on data from supply chain sources, and for now this is a rumor, not a confirmed fact.
The new MacBook Neo with the A19 Pro chip and 12 GB of RAM is expected next year
MacBook Neo 2 Specs: A19 Pro Chip and 12 GB of Memory
Taiwanese tech columnist Tim Culpan, a former Bloomberg journalist, reported in his Culpium newsletter that the next MacBook Neo will receive a version of the A19 Pro chip — the same one used in the iPhone 17 Pro. This means an increase in RAM to 12 GB, since that’s exactly how much unified memory this chip has in Pro-line smartphones.
The current MacBook Neo runs on the A18 Pro chip and has 8 GB of RAM, which unfortunately cannot be expanded even for extra money. The move to 12 GB is a noticeable step forward, especially for tasks related to Apple Intelligence and other AI-based features that are demanding on memory capacity.
Will You Be Able to Game on MacBook Neo 2
The new chip will allow for increased RAM capacity
In the iPhone 17 Pro, the A19 Pro chip features a 6-core GPU, but Culpan expects Apple to use a so-called “cut-down” version of the chip in the MacBook Neo — with 5-core graphics. This is standard practice: Apple often takes chips where one graphics core is disabled (due to manufacturing defects or intentionally) and puts them in more affordable devices.
The current MacBook Neo also has 5-core graphics, so nothing will change in that regard. The main improvement will come from the CPU and memory. While it can run games, the lack of RAM makes itself felt. It’s possible that the MacBook Neo 2 will avoid this issue.
MacBook Neo 2 Release Date
The fact that MacBook Neo would sooner or later get the A19 Pro was expected — Apple updates chips in its devices annually. But information based on sources in the Asian supply chain moves this from the realm of logical assumptions into the category of a specific insider tip with approximate timelines.
MacBook Neo production is established in China and Vietnam
Apple introduced the current MacBook Neo in early March 2026, and it appears that sales have exceeded the company’s expectations. This means the MacBook Neo 2 will likely arrive around the same timeframe, but in 2027. DigiTimes reports that the laptop is assembled in China and Vietnam, and Apple is negotiating with suppliers about a possible increase in production volumes.
Buy MacBook Neo Now or Wait for MacBook Neo 2
If you just bought a MacBook Neo with the A18 Pro — there’s no reason to worry. The current model was released very recently, the update isn’t expected until 2027, and the difference will be more evolutionary than revolutionary.
However, for those who are considering a purchase and aren’t in a rush, it makes sense to take this rumor into account. The memory increase from 8 to 12 GB is significant for long-term use. The more RAM, the longer the laptop will handle the growing demands of macOS and local AI features.
MacBook Neo Shortage Due to High Demand
Culpan also noted that Apple has faced a “serious dilemma” due to high demand for the MacBook Neo. Details were not disclosed, but it likely involves balancing production scaling with potential supply chain constraints.
MacBook Neo is a good computer, but you should know exactly what you’re buying it for
For buyers, this could mean periodic shortages of the current model if Apple can’t scale production fast enough.
The bottom line: if the MacBook Neo with the A18 Pro suits your needs and is available now — go ahead and buy it. But if you can wait a year and want more memory for future tasks, the updated version with 12 GB of RAM looks like a sensible upgrade. For now, though, this is only an insider tip, not confirmed Apple plans.
