Technology giant Apple has unveiled a new entry-level laptop called the MacBook Neo, marking the company’s most affordable MacBook to date. The device is designed to bring the macOS ecosystem to a broader audience, particularly students and first-time laptop buyers who previously found Apple devices too expensive.
A New Entry Point to the Mac Ecosystem
The MacBook Neo represents Apple’s push into the budget laptop segment while maintaining the brand’s signature design and software integration. The device features a sleek aluminium body and a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, delivering sharp visuals and a premium look despite its lower price point.
Unlike most recent Macs powered by the company’s M-series processors, the MacBook Neo runs on the A18 Pro chip, the same processor used in the latest iPhone lineup. This move allows Apple to reduce manufacturing costs while still offering strong performance for everyday tasks such as browsing, streaming, and light content creation.
Performance and Features
The laptop includes 8GB of unified memory and storage options of 256GB or 512GB, catering to basic productivity and multimedia needs. It also comes with Apple’s macOS platform, enabling seamless integration with iPhones and other Apple devices.
Other key highlights include:
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Up to 16 hours of battery life for extended usage
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Magic Keyboard and large multitouch trackpad
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Touch ID support in the higher-storage variant
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Two USB-C ports and wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E
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Lightweight design weighing around 1.23 kg
These features position the MacBook Neo as a capable everyday laptop for education, office tasks, and casual creative work.
Pricing and Availability
The MacBook Neo starts at ₹69,900 in India for the 256GB model, while the 512GB variant is priced at ₹79,900. Pre-orders are already open through Apple’s official channels, and the laptop is scheduled to go on sale from March 11, 2026.
Expanding Apple’s Reach
By introducing a lower-priced MacBook, Apple aims to compete more aggressively in the entry-level laptop market dominated by Windows PCs and Chromebooks. The move could also help the company strengthen its presence in the education sector and among young consumers who are looking for affordable yet reliable computing devices.
With the MacBook Neo, Apple is signaling a shift toward making its premium ecosystem accessible to a wider audience while maintaining the brand’s focus on design, performance, and integration.
