Apple Scraps Plans for Touch Screen on Affordable MacBook Neo 2

Cost concerns lead tech giant to prioritize affordability over flashy upgrades for entry-level laptop.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:50pm

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Apple has decided to forgo adding a touch screen to its upcoming budget-friendly MacBook Neo 2, according to a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The decision was made to keep manufacturing costs down and maintain the Neo's affordable $599 price point, which is aimed at students and first-time laptop buyers. This marks a change from earlier speculation that the Neo 2 could include a touch screen to remain competitive with Chromebooks and low-cost Windows laptops.

Why it matters

Apple's reluctance to add touch screen capabilities to its mainstream Mac lineup has been a point of contention for years, as rivals have embraced the feature even on sub-$600 devices. The Neo 2's lack of a touch screen highlights Apple's focus on preserving margins and its brand positioning, even if it means forgoing some features that have become standard on competing budget laptops.

The details

Gurman reported that while Apple is considering adding touch screen support to a future high-end MacBook Pro, the Neo 2 will remain touch-free. The decision was likely driven by the increased manufacturing costs associated with incorporating a touch layer, which could threaten the Neo's slim profit margins. Apple markets the Neo as an affordable Mac option for students and first-time buyers, so pricing it out of that target audience would be counterproductive.

  • The original MacBook Neo launched recently after production delays in late 2025.
  • The MacBook Neo 2 is expected to be released in 2027.

The players

Mark Gurman

A Bloomberg reporter who covers Apple and the tech industry.

Ming-Chi Kuo

An analyst known for his accurate predictions about Apple's product roadmaps.

Apple

The tech giant that designs and manufactures the MacBook Neo line of laptops.

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What they’re saying

“I'd be shocked if a touch screen comes to the Neo in the next three years.”

— Mark Gurman

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Rumors suggest the MacBook Neo 2 is expected to feature upgraded internals, including the A19 Pro chip and 12GB of RAM, when it is released in 2027.

The takeaway

Apple's decision to forgo a touch screen on the affordable MacBook Neo 2 highlights the company's careful balancing act between maintaining its premium brand image and catering to budget-conscious consumers. While the lack of touch support may disappoint some, it aligns with Apple's long-standing position that trackpads and mice are sufficient for 'proper' computing on laptops.