First look at the new MacBook Neo

Apple just dropped the brand new MacBook Neo, and it brings some fascinating changes to the laptop lineup. Starting at an incredible $599, it offers a fresh form factor and an unexpected processor under the hood. Let's dive into the hands-on details, from the bold new colors to the internal specs.

The A18 Pro chip changes the game

The most surprising thing about the MacBook Neo is what is powering it. This is the first MacBook to run on an iPhone chip. It packs the A18 Pro, which is the exact same processor found inside the iPhone 16 Pro models.

Using a mobile chip is a massive shift for the Mac lineup. It is exactly what brings the starting price down to that $599 mark. It makes the MacBook Neo highly affordable while still delivering plenty of snappy performance for everyday tasks.

Four fresh colors

The design is clean and minimal, and you have four distinct finishes to choose from this time around.

Blush is a very soft, subtle pink. It is so light that it almost looks silver until you place it directly next to the actual Silver model to see the contrast.

Silver offers the classic, neutral Apple aesthetic we are all familiar with from the older unibody MacBook days.

Citrus is the standout option. It is a vibrant yellow that leans almost lime green. The color even wraps around the back of the keyboard to make the whole interior really pop.

Indigo brings a bold, dark blue finish to the table. It looks incredibly sleek and is a great choice if you want something a bit more professional but less traditional than silver.

Specs, ports, and a mechanical trackpad

While the base model starts at $599, stepping up to the $699 tier adds a few key upgrades. For that extra $100, you get a Touch ID button built directly into the top right of the keyboard. This upgraded model also comes equipped with 512GB of storage and 8GB of unified memory.

Taking a look at the sides, the port situation is straightforward. You get two USB-C ports on the left side and a standard audio headphone jack on the right. The speakers are also located on the sides. They face outward rather than firing up through the keyboard deck.

There is also a hidden hardware surprise. The trackpad on the MacBook Neo is mechanical. If you are used to the solid-state haptic trackpads on modern MacBook Pro models, you will definitely notice a slightly different click and feel when pressing down on this one.

The bottom line

The MacBook Neo completely rethinks the entry-level Mac. By utilizing the A18 Pro chip, Apple managed to pack a surprising amount of capability into a small, budget-friendly device. Whether you go for the subtle Blush or the bright Citrus, it is shaping up to be a fantastic option for anyone needing an affordable everyday laptop.