Apple Unveils $599 MacBook Neo, Challenging Chromebooks and Budget Windows Laptops

The new 13-inch MacBook Neo offers a premium aluminum design and Apple's A18 Pro chip, targeting day-to-day users on a budget.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Apple has announced the lower-cost MacBook Neo, a 13-inch laptop starting at $599 that aims to take on Chromebooks and cheap Windows laptops. Unlike Apple's higher-end M-series powered MacBooks, the Neo uses the A18 Pro chip found in the 2024 iPhone 16 Pro. While it has a slightly smaller 13-inch display compared to the MacBook Air, the Neo still features an all-aluminum body, Liquid Retina display, and a range of color options. To hit the lower price point, the baseline Neo comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, though users can upgrade to 512GB and add Touch ID. The Neo forgoes features like keyboard backlighting found on pricier MacBooks, but still offers the macOS experience and iPhone integration that may appeal to budget-conscious Apple users.

Why it matters

The MacBook Neo represents Apple's attempt to reach a broader market of users who want a premium laptop experience but can't justify spending $1,000 or more on a MacBook Air. By undercutting Chromebooks and budget Windows laptops with a $599 starting price, the Neo could attract students, home office workers, and others who prioritize macOS and Apple's ecosystem over raw performance.

The details

The MacBook Neo features an all-aluminum body and comes in a range of color options including blush, citrus, and indigo. It has a 13-inch Liquid Retina display rated for 500 nits of brightness. Under the hood, the Neo is powered by Apple's A18 Pro chip, which has a six-core CPU and five-core GPU, compared to the more powerful M5 chip in the latest MacBook Air. The baseline Neo comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, though users can upgrade to 512GB of storage and add Touch ID to the keyboard for an additional $100. Ports are limited to two USB-C connections and a headphone jack, forgoing the faster Thunderbolt 4 found on pricier MacBooks.

  • The MacBook Neo was announced on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.
  • The MacBook Neo will start shipping on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Apple

An American technology company that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.

A18 Pro

A system-on-a-chip designed by Apple that powers the MacBook Neo, featuring a six-core CPU and five-core GPU.

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What they’re saying

“The new 13-inch Neo has just the right feature mix for the money and a great look and feel that's going to make it tough to beat.”

— Matt Elliott (CNET)

What’s next

Apple will begin taking preorders for the MacBook Neo immediately, with the first units shipping on March 11, 2026.

The takeaway

The MacBook Neo represents Apple's effort to bring its premium laptop experience to a broader, more budget-conscious audience, potentially attracting students, home office workers, and others who want macOS and Apple's ecosystem without the high price tag of the MacBook Air.