Apple has introduced MacBook Neo, a new entry-level MacBook positioned as its most affordable laptop to date. To keep it affordable, at least as far as affordable goes in Apple’s book, the MacBook Neo ends up with a 13-inch screen and the A18 Pro SoC.
The MacBook Neo features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with a 2408×1506 resolution, up to 500 nits of brightness, and an anti-reflective coating. The chassis is aluminum
At the heart of the system is Apple’s A18 Pro chip, bringing Apple silicon to a lower price point. According to Apple’s own benchmarks, MacBook Neo is up to 50 percent faster in everyday tasks such as web browsing than some other PCs equipped with Intel Core Ultra 5 processors, and up to three times faster in on-device AI workloads such as applying advanced photo effects. The chip integrates a 5-core GPU for graphics workloads, a 16-core Neural Engine for on-device AI processing. Bear in mind that Apple is doing it in a fanless setting.
The rest of the specifications include a 1080p FaceTime HD camera with updated image processing, dual beamforming microphones, and dual side-firing speakers with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support. Apple’s Magic Keyboard and a large Multi-Touch trackpad with gesture support, along with Touch ID for authentication and Apple Pay. Connectivity includes two USB-C ports with charging and external display support, a 3.5mm headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 6, while battery life is rated at up to 16 hours on a single charge.
The MacBook Neo runs macOS Tahoe with built-in applications such as Safari, Messages, Photos, Calendar, Pages, and FaceTime, alongside Apple Intelligence features including writing tools and live translation integrated at the system level. Continuity features for iPhone users include Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and iPhone Mirroring.
Apple’s New MacBook Neo starts at $599 in the United States, and pre-orders are open starting today in 30 countries and regions, with general availability beginning March 11th. It will be available in blush, indigo, silver, and citrus color options.
