Apple has introduced the MacBook Neo, a new entry-level laptop that brings the macOS ecosystem to a lower price point. Starting at ₹69,900 in India, the device appears aimed squarely at students, casual users and those entering the Mac ecosystem for the first time.
For years, Apple’s MacBook lineup has largely hovered in premium territory. With the MacBook Neo, the company is testing a different proposition — a lighter, simpler Mac focused on everyday computing rather than professional workloads.
At the centre of the device is Apple’s A18 Pro chip, a processor generation previously associated with the company’s latest iPhones. Its inclusion signals Apple’s continued effort to blur the line between its mobile and desktop silicon platforms while keeping power consumption extremely low.
The MacBook Neo features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, supporting up to one billion colours and brightness levels reaching 500 nits, making it suitable for general productivity, streaming and web-based work.
Apple ships the base configuration with 8GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD, with a 512GB storage option available for users needing additional space.
Battery life is another area Apple is highlighting. The company claims the laptop can deliver up to 16 hours of usage, positioning it as a device capable of lasting through a full workday or a typical university schedule without requiring a recharge.
For video calls and remote work, the laptop includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, paired with dual microphones and side-firing speakers supporting spatial audio. The machine also features Apple’s Magic Keyboard and a large Multi-Touch trackpad.
Connectivity remains minimal but practical, with two USB-C ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack, alongside standard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support.
Apple is offering the MacBook Neo in four colours — Silver, Indigo, Blush and Citrus — a palette that reflects the device’s positioning as a youthful, consumer-focused product.
More than just a new laptop, the MacBook Neo signals a broader strategic move. By lowering the cost of entry into the Mac ecosystem, Apple may be targeting students, Chromebook users and mid-range Windows laptop buyers who previously found Mac hardware out of reach.
Whether the Neo becomes a gateway device for new Mac users will depend on how well it balances price, performance and Apple’s tightly integrated software ecosystem.
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