Apple targets Chromebook market with new MacBook Neo

On Wednesday, Apple unveiled the MacBook Neo, a 13-inch entry-level laptop starting at $599. The launch marks the company’s first direct attempt to capture the audience currently served by Google’s Chromebooks. The new laptop is aimed at students or users whose work does not involve intensive workflows, offering a highly capable device at a lower price point than Apple’s traditional laptop offerings.

The device is seemingly able to run at this price point because it uses the A18 Pro chip—Apple’s proprietary processor, which also powers the iPhone 16 Pro—rather than the M5 chip used in the MacBook Air. According to Apple, the MacBook Neo can handle everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and photo editing. In a press release, the company stated: “In fact, it’s up to 50 percent faster for everyday tasks like web browsing, and up to 3x faster when running on-device AI workloads like applying advanced effects to photos, compared to the bestselling PC with the latest shipping Intel Core Ultra 5.”

The base model of the MacBook Neo includes 256GB of storage. For users requiring more capacity, an upgraded model is available for $699, which increases the storage to 512GB and adds Touch ID. This entry-level option provides a lower-cost alternative for consumers at a time when Apple’s higher-end MacBook Pro models have seen price increases of up to $400 compared to their predecessors.

The MacBook Neo features a fan-less design that allows it to operate silently, similar to the MacBook Air. It includes a 5-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, which is Apple’s hardware for AI/ML tasks, enabling it to support similar levels of gameplay and on-device AI tasks as a recent iPhone. The hardware specifications for the entry-level laptop include:

• Battery life: Up to 16 hours on a single charge, delivered via one of two USB-C ports.
• Camera and audio: A 1080p FaceTime HD camera, dual microphones, and speakers supporting Spatial Audio.
• Connectivity: Two USB-C ports and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack.

Why it matters

The MacBook Neo marks the first time Apple has targeted the same audience as Google’s Chromebook, offering a lower-cost alternative to its existing laptop lineup.