Apple has expanded its reach into the mid-range and education markets by unveiling the entry-level MacBook Neo. Apple announced the MacBook Neo on March 4 (local time). The company described the product as being optimized for everyday tasks such as web browsing, video playback, and photo editing.
The core of the MacBook Neo is the A18 Pro chip. This chip was first introduced in the 2024 iPhone 16 Pro. Apple stated that the MacBook Neo delivers up to 50 percent faster performance in certain tasks compared to laptops based on Intel Core Ultra 5. It also features a 16-core Neural Engine, enabling the execution of on-device AI functions, including Apple Intelligence. Apple further explained that on-device AI workloads are up to three times faster.
The display is 13 inches and features an anti-reflective coating. The maximum brightness is 500 nits. It was stated that the battery provides up to 16 hours of use on a full charge. It was also emphasized that noise has been reduced through the adoption of a fanless design. It includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera and dual microphones, as well as a speaker configuration that supports spatial audio.
The exterior is made of aluminum. It will be released in four colors: Silver, Blush, Citrus, and Indigo. Connectivity features include two USB-C ports and a headphone jack. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6. The operating system is macOS Tahoe. It supports Continuity with the iPhone, enhancing task switching between devices.
The price is 990,000 won for the base 256GB model. With an educational discount applied, it can be purchased starting at 850,000 won. Considering that the currently sold 13-inch MacBook Air starts at 1,790,000 won, this effectively lowers the barrier to entry significantly. However, some argue that the price is still high compared to the Chromebook-centric education market, which starts in the $200 range.
Apple has previously tested the mid-to-low price market. In 2024, it explored low-cost demand by supplying the M1 MacBook Air exclusively to Walmart in the U.S. for $699. Pre-orders for the MacBook Neo begin on March 4, with an official launch on March 11. The industry is watching closely to see if the MacBook Neo, targeting demand from educational settings and home learning, can shift the market share structure of Chromebooks.
