Apple unveiled the MacBook Neo, a new laptop priced at $599, aimed at expanding its presence in the price-sensitive PC market. This move comes as competitors face memory chip supply constraints.
The MacBook Neo is powered by the A18 Pro chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 16 Pro models. Priced at $599, it represents a significantly lower entry point compared to Apple's previous sub-$1,000 MacBook, which debuted in 2006 at $1,099 (approximately $1,750 today).
Pre-orders for the MacBook Neo begin Wednesday, with availability in stores and for delivery starting March 11. This is not Apple's first attempt at a lower price point; the company previously offered a $699 MacBook Air for Walmart using the M1 chip.
The new device directly challenges Google's Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops. Its introduction into the mid-range PC segment could appeal to students and first-time computer buyers.
Despite a global memory chip shortage, the MacBook Neo comes with 8 gigabytes of unified memory, less than other recent Apple devices. This launch follows Apple's recent introduction of the $599 iPhone 17e and updated MacBook Air and Pro models with new M5 chips, as the company seeks to maintain market share in competitive smartphone and softening PC markets.