Leaked: Low-Cost ‘MacBook Neo’ Runs on iPhone Chip
▼ Summary
– Apple is expected to announce a new, low-cost MacBook named “MacBook Neo,” potentially as soon as tomorrow.
– The name “MacBook Neo” was referenced in a leaked regulatory document and would signal an all-new laptop design.
– This model is rumored to be the first MacBook powered by an iPhone chip, specifically the A18 Pro.
– The announcement is anticipated at Apple’s in-person media event scheduled for 9 am ET.
– The product name “Neo” coincidentally also appears on a new, high-priced Hermès Apple Watch band released this week.
A new, budget-friendly MacBook could be unveiled by Apple as early as tomorrow, with industry insiders pointing to MacBook Neo as the likely product name. This would mark a significant departure, introducing a fresh brand for a completely redesigned laptop. The speculation gained traction after a regulatory filing for an unreleased “MacBook Neo (Model A3404)” was briefly and accidentally made public by Apple before being removed. This naming strategy strongly suggests the device is positioned as a more accessible, entry-level option, potentially even positioned below the current MacBook Air in terms of price and performance.
The choice of “Neo” clearly communicates a new beginning, distinct from the company’s previous use of the standalone “MacBook” name. Interestingly, Apple has already utilized the “Neo” moniker this week for a high-end Hermès Apple Watch band, though that accessory’s $349 price tag is estimated to be roughly half the expected cost of the new laptop. The primary innovation driving this new model is its reported internal hardware; it is widely rumored to be the first MacBook powered by an iPhone chip, specifically the anticipated A18 Pro processor. This shift represents a major strategic move to leverage the efficiency and performance of Apple’s mobile silicon across its entire computer lineup.
The expected announcement window aligns with Apple’s scheduled in-person media event tomorrow morning. Following a pattern of morning product releases earlier in the week, which included the iPhone 17e, updated iPad Air and MacBook Air models with new M-series chips, and new Studio Displays, this event is the probable venue for the MacBook Neo’s debut. This potential launch underscores Apple’s continued efforts to expand its laptop portfolio with a compelling, cost-effective machine that leverages its most advanced mobile technology, potentially redefining the entry point into the macOS ecosystem.
(Source: 9to5 Mac)
