MacBook Neo
News, coverage and analysis tracking MacBook Neo across the outlets.
The RAM crisis comes for Apple: Mac and iPad prices jacked up by hundreds as company says 'We have never seen a component price increase this much, this quickly'Apple has significantly increased the prices of its Mac and iPad lines due to a rapid and substantial rise in component costs. The company stated that it has never experienced such a swift and large increase in component prices before. While iPhones are currently unaffected, CEO Tim Cook indicated that price hikes for all products might become unavoidable if the situation persists.
This year's Computex has highlighted just how big an impact Apple can have on the wider computing industryApple's influence on the computing industry was evident at Computex this year, particularly in laptop design and pricing strategies. The success of the recent MacBook Neo, noted for its sleek design and affordable price, appears to be inspiring manufacturers like Dell, Asus, and HP to adopt similar aesthetics and cost-effective approaches in their new hardware.
New data predicts PC sales will tank in 2026 but Apple is doubling MacBook Neo production according to reportsNew data from IDC predicts a significant decline in PC sales starting in 2026, attributing it to a persistent memory shortage. However, Apple is reportedly doubling production of its MacBook Neo due to high demand, with CEO describing customer response as "off the charts."
Computex 2026 has really highlighted the fact that PC gaming tech isn't all about gaming anymoreComputex 2026 highlighted a shift in PC gaming technology, with manufacturers increasingly blurring the lines between gaming-specific products and general-use hardware. Devices like Asus' ProArt monitors and Dell's XPS 13 with its new processors, alongside professional-looking PC cases and keyboards, demonstrate a trend towards do-it-all products. Nvidia's new RTX Spark processor, designed for both AI and gaming, further exemplifies this convergence, suggesting a future where gaming hardware is integrated into more versatile devices.
Dell just took a huge swing at Apple and the Macbook Neo, with new Dell XPS 13 launching at $599Dell has launched a new XPS 13 laptop starting at $699, directly competing with Apple's MacBook Neo. The Dell XPS 13 features a 13.4-inch 2.5K touchscreen display, 32GB of RAM, and a premium aluminum chassis, with a student discount bringing the price down to $599. Dell Vice Chairman and COO Jeff Clarke highlighted the inclusion of a backlit keyboard as a key advantage over the MacBook Neo.
It's Lenovo a-go-go as the company is responsible for nearly 1 in 4 of all PCs shipped worldwideLenovo has announced its financial results for the 2025/26 fiscal year, retaining its position as the number one PC manufacturer globally with a 24.4% market share. The company reported a record fourth quarter revenue of $21.6 billion, a 27% year-on-year increase, partly driven by AI-related sales. HP remains in second place, with the gap between the two manufacturers widening to its largest in 15 years.
You can crank wild performance out of a MacBook Neo if only you use a giant industrial air blower and Peltier…YouTuber Salem Techsperts has achieved record-breaking benchmark scores on an Apple MacBook Neo by implementing extreme cooling modifications, including a giant industrial air blower and Peltier cooler. These mods pushed the A18 Pro chip's performance beyond default limits, though some GPU scores did not improve. The article also notes that simpler thermal pad and putty mods can still yield significant performance gains.
'We undercalled the level of enthusiasm': Apple's Tim Cook says supply is constrained for the MacBook Neo, but 'we could not be happier with how things are going at the moment'Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that the new MacBook Neo is experiencing supply constraints due to unexpectedly high demand, exceeding the company's initial projections. Despite these challenges, Cook expressed satisfaction with the product's performance and uptake, noting its adoption by school systems and individual consumers. The company is also navigating increasing memory costs which are expected to impact business beyond the current quarter.- Apple is reportedly set to speed past Dell and become the third-largest laptop vendor, thanks in part to the affordable…Apple is reportedly set to surpass Dell and become the third-largest laptop vendor, driven by strong demand for its affordable MacBook Neo. The company has ramped up production to 10 million units, positioning itself favorably against competitors like Lenovo and HP. Apple's integrated hardware approach, including its Unified Memory Architecture and reliance on internal components, may also provide an advantage in supply chain management.
- The MacBook Neo is a glimpse into John Ternus's AppleThe MacBook Neo, priced at $599, represents a significant shift in Apple's product strategy, with John Ternus leading the initiative. This budget-friendly laptop, despite its lower price point, maintains premium build quality and performance, challenging industry norms and potentially serving as an entry point into the Apple ecosystem for new users.
- Microsoft's new college deal is a half-hearted answer to the $500 MacBook NeoMicrosoft has launched the "Microsoft College Offer," a bundle aimed at students that includes Microsoft 365 Premium, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a custom Xbox controller, and a discounted laptop. This offer is a response to Apple's new MacBook Neo, providing a value proposition that includes deals on devices from manufacturers like HP, ASUS, Acer, and Lenovo, as well as Microsoft's own Surface line.
Don't like the MacBook Neo's storage options? Well, with lots of electronics gear, years of experience, and nerves of steel, you too can have a 1 TB modelA YouTuber named dosdude1 has successfully upgraded a MacBook Neo to 1 TB of storage by replacing the original NAND flash chip. This process involves desoldering the existing chip and installing a larger one, a complex task due to surrounding components and underfill. The article notes that Apple likely omitted larger storage options due to cost, but this modification offers a potential alternative for users seeking more space.
If you want to crank tons more gaming performance out of the Apple MacBook Neo, apparently a custom water cooling loop…Tech YouTubers Jakkuh and Zip Tie Tech have successfully implemented a custom water cooling loop on an Apple MacBook Neo to significantly boost its gaming performance. Despite the laptop's low cost and non-gaming design, the modification resulted in record-breaking benchmark scores for its A18 Pro GPU, though limitations like unified memory and macOS compatibility remain.- The RAM crisis is Apple's best chance in decades to capture the PC marketThe global RAM crisis presents Apple with a unique opportunity to significantly increase its market share in the PC sector. While competitors face rising component costs and production challenges, Apple's integrated hardware and software, along with its strong profit margins, allow it to potentially offer competitive pricing and performance with its MacBook Neo. This situation could shift the balance of power away from Windows-based manufacturers.
- The MacBook Neo is Apple's most repairable laptopApple's MacBook Neo has received its highest repairability score from iFixit in 14 years, achieving a 6/10. Key improvements include a screwed-down battery, modular USB-C ports and headphone jack, and a mechanical trackpad. However, soldered RAM and storage, along with pentalobe screws, remain drawbacks.
- Engadget Podcast: Apple's $599 MacBook Neo is astoundingThe Engadget Podcast discusses Apple's new $599 MacBook Neo, highlighting its user experience and comparing it to Windows PCs. The hosts also cover the M4 iPad Air and M5 MacBook Pro models. Additionally, the episode touches on the state of electric vehicles and a lawsuit against Grammarly.
- Asus CFO Nick Wu thinks Apple's MacBook Neo is 'certainly a shock to the entire market'Asus CFO Nick Wu expressed surprise at Apple's launch of the affordable MacBook Neo, calling it a 'shock to the entire market' given Apple's premium pricing history. Wu believes PC vendors, including Microsoft, Intel, and AMD, are taking this seriously and discussing competitive strategies. He also noted that the software ecosystem differences between Apple and Intel/AMD factions may limit immediate switching incentives for consumers.
- Engadget Podcast: Is the MacBook Neo the one?The Engadget Podcast discusses Apple's latest hardware releases, including the new $599 MacBook Neo, refreshed MacBook Air M5, MacBook Pro M5 Pro/Max, iPad Air M4, and iPhone 17e. Hosts Devindra Hardawar and Nathan Ingraham also cover Spencer Ackerman's book 'Forever Wars' and the controversial use of AI by the Department of Defense.
- The Morning After: Apple takes on cheap Windows laptops and Chromebooks with the $599 MacBook NeoApple has launched the MacBook Neo, a new $599 laptop running on an iPhone chipset, targeting the budget Windows laptop and Chromebook market. The device features a 13-inch Retina display, 8GB of RAM, and two USB-C ports. The article also touches on other tech news including hands-on impressions of the Nothing Phone 4a Pro and 4a, a review of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, and Netflix's acquisition of an AI startup founded by Ben Affleck.
- MacBook Neo vs. M5 MacBook Air: All the trade-offs you'll make to save $500Apple has introduced the MacBook Neo, its most affordable laptop yet, starting at $599, to compete with budget Windows laptops and Chromebooks. This new model offers significant cost savings compared to the M5 MacBook Air but comes with several trade-offs in display quality, charging capabilities, battery life, webcam features, and internal specifications, including a less powerful A18 Pro chip.