Apple has pulled off something no one really expected. The brand that’s always been seen as “premium-only” has now stepped into the budget laptop space with the launch of the MacBook Neo.
Yes, you read that right.
Starting at 69,900 Rs in India (and $599 in the US), the MacBook Neo is being called a serious “Chromebook killer.” It’s slim, colourful, lightweight, and here’s the twist: it runs on the same chip that powers the iPhone.
This is Apple trying something completely new.
The Big Change: An iPhone Chip Inside a Mac
The most interesting part about the MacBook Neo isn’t just the price. It’s what’s inside.
Instead of using its usual M-series laptop chips, Apple has gone with the A18 Pro chip, the same one used in the iPhone 16 Pro.
At first, that might sound unusual. A phone chip inside a laptop? But Apple says the performance speaks for itself.
According to the company, the Neo is:
50% faster for everyday web browsing compared to popular Intel Core Ultra 5 Windows laptops
3x faster in AI-related tasks, thanks to a powerful 16-core Neural Engine
What does that mean for regular users? Simple.
If your daily work includes browsing, Google Docs, Excel sheets, Zoom meetings, Netflix, emails, and maybe some light editing, this laptop will handle it comfortably. For students and working professionals, it’s more than enough.
Plus, Apple chips are known for their power efficiency. So battery life is expected to be strong, something MacBooks are already famous for.
Design: Looks Premium, Feels Premium
Even though this is a “budget” Mac, Apple hasn’t made it look or feel cheap.
The MacBook Neo comes with a 100% recycled aluminium body. No plastic. No cost-cutting vibes. It weighs just 1.23 kg, making it easy to carry all day.
And for once, Apple has moved beyond the usual grey shades.
You can choose from four colours:
- Citrus – A bright yellow that stands out
- Blush – A soft pink-gold shade
- Indigo – A deep blue finish
- Silver – The classic safe option
The edges are slightly more rounded, giving it a softer and fresher look. It feels modern and youthful, clearly aimed at students and young buyers.
Where Did Apple Cut Costs?
To bring the price down to 69,900 Rs, Apple had to remove a few features. Nothing major, but still worth knowing.
Here’s what’s missing in the base model:
- No backlit keyboard – Typing in the dark might be tricky.
- No MagSafe charging – You’ll have to use one of the two USB-C ports for charging.
- No Touch ID on the base version – If you want the fingerprint sensor, you’ll need to buy the 512GB model, which costs 79,900 Rs.
In short, Apple didn’t cut performance. It trimmed some convenience features instead.
Why This Laptop Is a Big Deal for India
Till now, if you wanted an affordable Apple device, your option was mostly an iPad. If you wanted a proper MacBook, you had to spend significantly more on the MacBook Air.
The MacBook Neo changes that.
It sits right in the middle, more powerful and flexible than an iPad, but more affordable than a MacBook Air. That makes it a smart option for:
- College students
- First-time Mac buyers
- Writers and freelancers
- People looking for a second travel laptop
- Anyone who wants macOS without spending over ₹1 lakh
For the Indian market, where pricing matters a lot, this could turn out to be a very smart move by Apple.
When Can You Buy It?
Pre-orders are already open on Apple’s official website and major retailers. The MacBook Neo will be available in stores from March 11, 2026.
The MacBook Neo feels like Apple opening its doors to a much bigger audience.
You still get premium design. You still get smooth performance. You still get the Apple ecosystem. But now, the entry price is far more approachable.
If you’ve always wanted a Mac but felt it was too expensive, this might finally be your chance.
