Apple has officially introduced the new entry-level laptop, the MacBook Neo, aimed at making the Mac series more accessible. Starting at $599, it is the most affordable Mac laptop ever produced by Apple and is notably powered by the A18 Pro chip. This is the first time an iPhone chip has been used in a modern Mac laptop.

Most Affordable Mac with iPhone Silicon

The MacBook Neo is built around the A18 Pro processor used in previous iPhone models. Apple states that the system provides efficient performance while delivering long battery life (up to 16 hours).

The laptop features a 13-inch display with a resolution of 2408×1506, 500 nits brightness, and support for over a billion colors.

MacBook Neo Storage and Pricing for Students

The base configuration starts at $599 and offers 8GB of RAM with 256GB of storage. A higher configuration costing $699 increases the storage to 512GB and adds Touch ID support.

Education buyers can purchase the laptop for $499, making it particularly attractive for students and schools.

The MacBook Neo is designed with a simple hardware configuration to keep costs down. Its main features include two USB-C ports, no MagSafe charging support, a headphone jack, stereo speakers, and support for one external display.

The laptop comes with a 20W USB-C power adapter and a USB-C charging cable in the box.

New Mac Available in Four Color Options

Apple offers the MacBook Neo in four different color options: Silver, Indigo, Pink, and Citrus. The colorful design symbolizes Apple's effort to position the device as a fun, entry-level option, making it appealing for students, first-time Mac users, and casual users.

Neo Positioned Below MacBook Air

The MacBook Neo is positioned below the MacBook Air in Apple's product lineup. The latest MacBook Air, powered by the Apple M5 chip, starts at $1,099.

While the Air offers more RAM, faster performance, and additional features, the Neo focuses on affordability, simplicity, and portability. This is primarily targeted at users who are web browsers, media streamers, productivity app users, and those looking for an affordable entry into the macOS ecosystem.

Availability of the MacBook Neo

The MacBook Neo is available for pre-order today and will begin shipping on March 11.

With its lower price and iPhone-based chip, the MacBook Neo represents a new direction for Apple's Mac series, aiming to reach a broader and budget-friendly audience with macOS.