What new, lower-priced MacBook model did Apple launch in March 2026, starting at $599?

Apple officially unveiled a new, lower-priced laptop model called the MacBook Neo in March 2026. This innovative addition to the MacBook lineup was announced on March 4, 2026, and became generally available to customers on March 11, 2026. The MacBook Neo stands out as Apple's most affordable laptop to date, with a starting price of just $599, and an even lower educational price of $499.

The introduction of the MacBook Neo represents a significant strategic shift for Apple, aiming to make the Mac experience more accessible to a broader audience, including mainstream users and students. Unlike its more premium siblings that feature Apple's M-series chips, the MacBook Neo is the first Mac to be powered by an A-series chip, specifically the A18 Pro, which is also found in the iPhone 16 Pro models. This choice of processor helps to achieve the lower price point while still offering solid performance for everyday tasks and on-device AI workloads.

The MacBook Neo features a durable aluminum design, a vibrant 13-inch Liquid Retina display, and promises up to 16 hours of battery life. It is available in several appealing colors, including blush, indigo, silver, and citrus. This new model is seen as a direct challenge to the budget PC market, offering Apple's premium design and ecosystem at a breakthrough price, potentially drawing in many new users to the macOS platform. Its release alongside updates to the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, which feature the new M5 chips, highlights Apple's comprehensive approach to its laptop offerings in 2026.