Apple’s model new entry-level laptop computer is powered by the chip from an iPhone and gives extra than simply the important MacBook expertise for an amazing worth, placing the PC business on discover.
The MacBook Neo is the primary of its form from Apple. A 13in laptop computer that runs on an A18 Professional chip and brings the beginning worth for a model new MacBook right down to £599 (€699/$599/A$899) – £500 or the equal lower than the MacBook Air.
The Neo is a completely new mannequin however shares nearly all its design DNA with the MacBook Air and Professional, together with its high quality aluminium physique, modern strains and rounded corners.
The Neo is 10g lighter, 1.4mm thicker and barely smaller than the present Air by 8.6mm and 6.6mm on width and peak respectively, which makes it really feel fairly dense for the scale of machine. In apply it’s not materially smaller for becoming in a bag or on a desk.
The components of the Neo that you just work together with are all top quality, belying its decrease price. The 13in display screen is smaller than the 13.6in fitted to the “13in” Air and lacks Apple’s True Tone expertise however not like many cheaper laptops, it’s simply as crisp with the identical 500nit most brightness as the corporate’s different laptops. It doesn’t really feel like a downgrade in use.
The identical could be stated of the keyboard that’s simply nearly as good as its dearer siblings. The beneficiant trackpad is mechanical fairly than the top-class haptic variations as fitted to Apple’s different machines, however is the very best of its sort I’ve used. Much better than the poor diving-board type trackpads nonetheless fitted to many Home windows and Chromebooks that merely can’t be clicked in the direction of their tops.
The bottom-model Neo doesn’t have a Contact ID fingerprint scanner within the energy button. It solely comes with the bigger storage mannequin costing an additional £100 or the equal, which is a little bit of a disgrace.
The mics and 1080p webcam are fairly good however the latter lacks Apple’s auto-panning and scanning tech. The audio system are additionally respectable: loud sufficient to fill a small room with music or a film and with out being too tinny. The Neo additionally has a headphone socket, which is an more and more uncommon however welcome sight.
Specs
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Display screen: 13in LCD (2408×1506; 219 ppi)
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Processor: Apple 18 Professional (5-core GPU)
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RAM: 8GB
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Storage: 256GB or 512GB
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Working system: macOS 26 Tahoe
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Digicam: 1080p FaceTime HD
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Connectivity: wifi 6E, Bluetooth 6, 2x USB-C (USB3 and USB2), headphones
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Dimensions: 206.4 x 297.5 x 12.7mm
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Weight: 1.23kg
An iPhone chip? No sweat
Not like the remainder of Apple’s Macs, which have beefier M-series chips, the Neo has an A18 Professional chip from the iPhone 16 Professional. Don’t let the identify idiot you, the chip is very performant, notably in on a regular basis duties during which it completely flies.
In consequence the Neo can deal with most duties with aplomb regardless of solely having 8GB of reminiscence – half that of different Macs. It sailed by way of advanced edits to a number of giant file pictures in Affinity and Pixelmator Professional with out breaking a sweat and is definitely able to mild video enhancing. It is going to solely begin to decelerate within the sorts of duties that require giant quantities of reminiscence or multicore processing efficiency, which these shopping for a Neo are extremely unlikely to routinely want.
The laptop computer’s battery life is superb for a skinny and lightweight machine, managing about 13 hours between costs for basic shopping, be aware taking, picture enhancing, chat and emails, which equates to a couple of day and a half of labor. You could be assured of leaving the home with out the charger and nonetheless getting all of your work achieved.
The port collection of the Neo is a bit uncommon. It has two USB-C ports however just one is USB3, leaving the second appropriate just for connecting slower USB2 equipment corresponding to a keyboard or mouse, or utilizing for energy. Solely the USB3 port helps connecting to a monitor and neither assist Thunderbolt, so gained’t work with sure docks, shows or the quickest storage in the identical approach each different Mac can.
The Neo can solely drive screens as much as 4K at 60Hz, which implies no excessive body charge shows. It is going to work with an Apple Studio Show, however solely at 4K, not the monitor’s native 5K decision.
MacOS 26 Tahoe
The Neo runs macOS 26 Tahoe, similar to each different current Mac, and helps all the normal software program, together with Microsoft Workplace, Chrome, WhatsApp, Adobe or internet apps. However Macs include a variety of bundled software program at no cost, together with a full, good workplace suite with Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Notes, Voice Memos and Freeform, and the superb Storage Band and iMovie for content material creation.
There are sometimes higher choices accessible within the App Retailer or third-party websites, however for a lot of, Apple’s apps are greater than adequate for many duties.
Sustainability
The MacBook Neo is made with 60% recycled supplies. Apple breaks down the pc’s environmental affect in its report. The battery ought to final in extra of 1,000 full-charge cycles with no less than 80% of its unique capability, and could be changed from £149. The restore specialists iFixit gave the machine six out of 10 for repairability. Apple gives trade-in and free recycling schemes, together with for non-Apple merchandise.
Worth
The Apple MacBook Neo prices £599 (€699/$599/A$899) with 256GB of storage or £699 (€799/$699/A$1,099) with 512GB and Contact ID.
For comparability, the 13in MacBook Air M5 prices from £1,099, the iPad Air M4 prices £599, the Microsoft Floor Laptop computer 13in prices £899 and the Asus Vivobook 14’s RRP is £799.
Verdict
The MacBook Neo is a shocking entry into the sub-£600 laptop computer class that proves cheaper machines don’t need to be garbage. Apple has reduce the precise corners to hit a worth that’s simply over half a MacBook Air, guaranteeing all of the components you straight work together with stay very top quality. The Neo simply doesn’t really feel like a less expensive laptop computer.
The A18 Professional iPhone chip at its coronary heart flies by way of on a regular basis duties. The brilliant and crisp display screen is a pleasure to have a look at and the keyboard and trackpad are greatest at school. Regardless of having a smaller display screen than the MacBook Air, the Neo isn’t materially extra compact in the case of becoming it in a bag, nevertheless.
There are many cuts in contrast with an M5 MacBook Air that could be deal breakers for some: no wifi 7, no Thunderbolt, no 5K show assist, solely 8GB reminiscence, a mechanical fairly than haptic touchpad, no backlit keys, no True Tone show and no Centre Stage webcam.
Should you want any of these options or can afford to pay extra, then the MacBook Air is a greater laptop computer all spherical. However for individuals who need a cheaper machine, notably at scholar costs, that are £100 or the equal lower than the RRP, Apple has set a brand new benchmark with the Neo. PC makers higher take discover.
Execs: snappy efficiency, lengthy battery life, good and brilliant 13in display screen, nice keyboard, best-in-class mechanical trackpad, good mics and audio system, respectable webcam, Contact ID, good worth.
Cons: solely two USB-C ports (USB3 and USB2), solely 8GB of reminiscence, no wifi 7, no Thunderbolt, no backlit keyboard, no True Tone or Centre Stage tech, no Contact ID on most cost-effective mannequin, no MagSafe or quick charging, no M5 chip.
