Apple has unveiled its most budget-friendly MacBook to date – introducing the MacBook Neo.
On March 4, the tech giant debuted its new lineup of laptops during the Apple Experience event, which also included the new MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) and MacBook Pro (M5 Max), as well as the MacBook Air (M5) – but the MacBook Neo stole the demonstrate. The introduction of a more affordable MacBook signals Apple’s intent to broaden its reach in the laptop market, potentially attracting new customers and competing more directly with other brands.
MacBook Neo, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air Price Comparison
|
Model |
Starting Price |
|
Apple MacBook Neo (256 GB) |
$779 |
|
Apple MacBook Neo (512 GB) |
$899 |
|
Apple MacBook Air 13″ (512 GB) |
$1,449 |
|
Apple MacBook Pro M5 Pro (1 TB) |
$2,999 |
|
Apple MacBook Pro M5 Max (2 TB) |
$4,849 |
The MacBook Neo starts at a lower price point than any other Apple laptop, with a starting price of $779. However, that relatively low price doesn’t signify compromises on useful features, as it still offers access to tools like Apple Intelligence, the Multi-Touch trackpad, and the Magic Keyboard.
While it doesn’t offer the same storage capacity as the new MacBook Pro lineup (the Neo comes with either 256 GB or 512 GB) and runs a different chip (the Apple A18), the MacBook Neo still looks like a solid budget option on paper, ideal for those who want a laptop that can do more than just the basics. This is where the biggest price differences compared to the Pro and Air models become apparent.
The MacBook Pro (M5) offers significantly more storage than the MacBook Neo, contributing to the price difference. The Pro and Air models are also powered by Apple’s latest generation chip, the Apple M5, which also makes them more expensive than the MacBook Neo. Depending on the size and chip you choose, the price can exceed $50,000 if you opt for a 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 Max.
