Apple has been repurposing iPhone chipsets across its product portfolio for over a decade now. We've seen it reuse A-series chipsets in iPads, in the HomePod, in the Apple TV, and even in the Studio Display. But today's MacBook Neo announcement marks the first time Apple has put an iPhone chip in a laptop.
Positioned as Apple's new entry-level computer, sitting beneath the MacBook Air in the family, the MacBook Neo is powered by an A18 Pro chipset similar to that found in 2024's iPhone 16 Pro. While Apple hasn't compared the MacBook Neo's performance to its own device family, it says it is up to 50% faster at everyday tasks than the "bestselling PC with the latest shipping Intel Core Ultra 5".
Apple using an iPhone chip to power a MacBook is a big deal, but the pricing is a bigger one. At a time when consumer tech feels like it's getting more expensive, Apple is launching the MacBook Neo at $899 for a 256GB model. That's half the price of what you'd pay for the newly launched MacBook Air with M5. Customers eligible for an education discount can get the MacBook Neo for as little as $749.
Of course, a cheaper price does mean some compromises. The MacBook Neo's screen is slightly smaller than the MacBook Air's (13-inch vs. 13.6-inch), as is the battery life (16 hours vs. 18 hours). The webcam will likely be lower quality, there's no MagSafe charging, and only one of the two USB-C ports can be used for an external display. There's no option for more than 8GB of memory, and customers who want a Touch ID keyboard will need to spring for the more expensive $1,099 model.
The MacBook Neo does come in more interesting colours, though, and is available in a choice of silver, blush, citrus, or indigo. Pre-orders are open now ahead of a March 11 release date.
The MacBook Neo rounds out Apple's week of announcements, which also included the iPhone 17e, a new iPad Air, new displays, and M5 MacBooks.
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Alex Choros
