Apple unveils cheap laptop, but not without compromises

After eight years, Apple has introduced a new compact laptop, the MacBook Neo. With an A18 Pro mobile processor, a 13-inch screen, and a price of 514.86 euros, it aims for the lower segment, but brings more compromises in terms of features and equipment.

Photo: Apple

The online rumors have proven to be true. After almost eight years, Apple is returning to the compact laptop segment with the new MacBook Neo, which is not a direct successor to the 12-inch MacBook. Instead, it is a more affordable model that makes more compromises in both hardware and features to reach the starting price of 514.86 euros.

The MacBook Neo was unveiled at the Special Apple Experience event in New York, just a day after Apple refreshed the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lines with M5 mobile processors. The Neo, however, takes a different approach: instead of the M-series processor, it uses the A18 Pro, known from the iPhone 16 Pro. This includes 6 processor cores, 5 graphics cores, 16 Neural Engine cores and 60 GB/s of memory bandwidth, which means it is graphically weaker than even some older iPhones.

The device has a 13-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2,408 × 1,506 pixels, a density of 219 pixels per inch, 500 nits of brightness and a 60 Hz refresh rate. Apple has installed only a 36.5 Wh battery, so the autonomy is estimated at about 11 hours of web browsing. The case measures 297.5 × 206.4 × 12.7 mm and weighs 1.23 kg, which puts it alongside the smaller MacBook Air, but with less powerful USB-C connectors (USB 2.0 and USB 3.0).

The base model offers 256GB of storage, while the more expensive 512GB version adds Touch ID in the power button for $600.56. Both configurations have 8GB of built-in storage and come in Blush, Citrus, Indigo, and Silver. Pre-orders begin shipping on March 11.

To keep the price down, Apple has removed several features: no MagSafe, no backlit keyboard, no Force Touch trackpad. It does, however, include a 1080p webcam, which is a welcome feature at this price point. The MacBook Neo represents Apple's attempt to enter the lower-end segment, but a clear separation from the more powerful Air and Pro models.