Apple’s Cheap MacBook Neo Runs on the Same A18 Chip as Older iPhone 16 series
It’s not a budget line, but rather a new product category for Apple at the lower end of the price range: Apple has introduced the MacBook Neo, a new entry-level model in its laptop lineup. According to the manufacturer, the device should bring the “magic of Mac” at a significantly lower price than previous models and is aimed at price-conscious buyers. With a starting price of $599/€699 including VAT ($499/€599 for educational institutions), the MacBook Neo positions itself as Apple’s most affordable laptop.
Technical Foundation: A18 Pro Chip from the iPhone Series
The MacBook Neo uses the A18 Pro as its processor, the same chip found in the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16e. This means the new laptop has neither the latest iPhone chips (the 17 series already features A19 chips) nor the powerful M-series processors found in other MacBooks. This also partly explains the comparatively affordable price.
Apple promises significant performance improvements over comparable Windows laptops with Intel Core Ultra 5 processors. For everyday tasks like web browsing, the MacBook Neo should work up to 50 percent faster, and for AI-powered applications like photo editing, up to three times faster. The chip features a 5-core GPU for graphics tasks and a 16-core Neural Engine for machine learning. The device operates fanlessly and thus silently.
Design and Features
The MacBook Neo comes in an aluminum chassis with rounded corners and weighs 1.23 kilograms. Apple offers the device in four colors: Pink, Indigo, Silver, and Citrus. The 13-inch Liquid Retina display has a resolution of 2408 x 1506 pixels, achieves a brightness of 500 nits, and supports one billion colors. Features include a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, two microphones with beamforming technology, and two side-firing speakers with 3D Audio and Dolby Atmos support.
The keyboard matches Apple’s Magic Keyboard, and the trackpad supports multi-touch gestures. Touch ID for biometric authentication is available as an option. The MacBook Neo offers two USB-C ports (both suitable for charging) and a headphone jack. WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 6 are integrated.
Battery Life and Software
Apple specifies battery life of up to 16 hours. The operating system is macOS Tahoe, which integrates Apple Intelligence features such as writing tools and live translation. Tight integration with the iPhone enables features like Handoff and universal clipboard.
Technical Specifications Overview
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | A18 Pro (as in iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16e) |
| GPU | 5-core integrated |
| Neural Engine | 16-core |
| Display | 13-inch Liquid Retina, 2408 x 1506 pixels, 500 nits, 1 billion colors |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD |
| Audio | 2 speakers with 3D Audio, 2 microphones with beamforming |
| Ports | 2x USB-C, 1x headphone jack |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 6 |
| Battery Life | Up to 16 hours |
| Weight | 1.23 kg |
| Chassis | Aluminum, fanless |
| Colors | Pink, Indigo, Silver, Citrus |
| Operating System | macOS Tahoe |
| Price | From §599 / €699 ($499 / €599 for education) |
Sustainability and Availability
Apple emphasizes the environmental aspect of the new model. The MacBook Neo consists of 60 percent recycled materials, including 90 percent recycled aluminum and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. Manufacturing uses 45 percent renewable energy. The packaging is 100 percent fiber-based.
Pre-orders for the MacBook Neo are available starting now. Delivery begins on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
