Apple has officially unveiled a long-rumored low-cost laptop called MacBook Neo, powered by the A18 Pro processor previously used in the iPhone 16 Pro lineup.

The product was introduced simultaneously at events held in New York, London and Shanghai.

With this budget device, Apple is targeting Chromebook users, buyers of entry-level Windows laptops and customers who have long wanted to own a MacBook but have been discouraged by the high price.

Despite its lower cost, the MacBook Neo still features an aluminum chassis. The device also introduces one of the most colorful laptop lineups Apple has offered since the iBook G3 launched in 1999.

The new laptop will be available in silver, indigo, blush pink and lime orange.

In terms of hardware, the MacBook Neo features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, two USB-C ports, horizontally oriented speakers supporting Dolby Atmos audio technology and a multi-touch trackpad.

The device also includes a 1080p webcam and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Higher-priced versions will add a fingerprint sensor with Touch ID.

Apple confirmed that the MacBook Neo will start at US$599 and deliver up to 16 hours of battery life. At this price, the MacBook Neo becomes the cheapest laptop ever released by Apple.

Previously, Apple’s most affordable laptops, such as the 11-inch MacBook Air, typically started between US$899 and US$999 for standard configurations, excluding refurbished units or special education discounts.

By lowering the starting price to US$599, Apple has for the first time broken its long-standing US$1,000 price barrier, signaling a more aggressive push into the mainstream laptop market.

Du Lam