MacBook Neo 2: Everything we know so far
▼ Summary
– The next-generation MacBook Neo will feature an A19 Pro chip, offering a 10-15% CPU performance boost and up to a 40% GPU performance increase over the current A18 Pro chip.
– The MacBook Neo’s A19 Pro chip will likely have a 5-core GPU, compared to the 6-core GPU in the iPhone 17 Pro version.
– RAM will increase from 8GB to 12GB in the new model, addressing a key limitation of the current MacBook Neo.
– The A19 Pro chip and 12GB RAM will enable support for Apple’s more powerful on-device AI model, which is not available on the current MacBook Neo.
– Apple plans to periodically update the MacBook Neo with new colors, though specific colors for the next model have not been announced, with a release expected in 2027.
Apple’s most affordable laptop has been a breakout hit since its debut earlier this year, but the rumor mill is already churning with details about what comes next. Here’s everything we know so far about the MacBook Neo 2.
A19 Pro chip
The current MacBook Neo runs on the A18 Pro chip, the same silicon powering the iPhone 16 Pro. According to Bloomberg, Apple is developing a successor powered by the A19 Pro chip. Performance benchmarks suggest the A19 Pro delivers roughly 10-15% faster single-core and multi-core CPU performance compared to its predecessor. The GPU gains are even more dramatic, with tests showing up to a 40% improvement, thanks in part to built-in Neural Accelerators in every GPU core.
The same A19 Pro chip will also appear in the flagship iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air. However, reporter Tim Culpan notes that Apple will likely use a “binned” version in the MacBook Neo. While the iPhone 17 Pro’s A19 Pro features a 6-core GPU, the MacBook Neo variant is expected to have a 5-core GPU.
More memory
One of the MacBook Neo’s compromises is its 8GB of RAM, while the rest of Apple’s Mac lineup now starts at 16GB. The next-generation model won’t double that figure, but it is expected to offer 12GB of RAM, enabled by the A19 Pro chip. In my review, I noted that 8GB isn’t a major limitation for most users, but a bump to 12GB would be a welcome upgrade.
New AI features
The combination of the A19 Pro chip and 12GB of RAM should also unlock support for Apple’s more powerful on-device AI model, announced at WWDC. This model enables a more accurate dictation experience and new customization options for Siri’s voice. The current MacBook Neo lacks support for this feature due to its A18 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM.
New colors
The MacBook Neo is currently available in a range of vibrant colors, including citrus, blush, indigo, and silver. Bloomberg reports that Apple plans to “periodically” update the lineup with new colors, though specifics on which shades will appear on the next-generation model remain unknown.
Release date
Apple launched the current MacBook Neo in March. According to Tim Culpan, the A19 Pro version is slated for a release sometime in 2027.
What changes do you want to see in the second-generation MacBook Neo? Are you a current user? Let us know in the comments.
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(Source: 9to5Mac)
