Apple accidentally reveals "MacBook Neo," the long-rumored low-cost MacBook

[Skye Jacobs]

Rumor mill: For a few hours this week, a regulatory listing on Apple's website gave the tech world a fleeting glimpse at what appears to be a new addition to the Mac lineup. The entry – identified as the "MacBook Neo" (Model A3404) – briefly appeared on Apple's European regulatory compliance portal before being removed, suggesting it may have been posted in error. The reference was first discovered by MacRumors, which captured the listing before it disappeared.

Update: It's now official -- Apple unveils $599 MacBook Neo powered by A18 Pro iPhone chip.

The document itself offered no technical specifications or images, but the appearance of the term "MacBook Neo" has intensified speculation around Apple's long-rumored plan to release a lower-cost MacBook.

Reports over the past several weeks have described an upcoming model that would break from Apple's traditional use of M-series chips in favor of silicon derived from its iPhone processors, such as the A18 Pro or A19 Pro. That shift would mark a notable change in Apple's hardware strategy, positioning the device more directly alongside iPhone and iPad chip architectures than current M-series Macs.

According to earlier leaks, the lower-priced notebook could feature a display just under 13 inches and might come in a range of bright colors, including yellow, green, blue, and pink.

Image credit: MacRumors

Apple has not confirmed these details, but the use of iPhone chips and simplified component design could allow the company to cut costs while maintaining Apple's distinctive design and ecosystem integration. It would also bring back a sub-13-inch MacBook form factor that Apple phased out when it discontinued the 12-inch MacBook in 2019.

Apple's goal for the project could be to compete more directly with Chromebooks and low-cost Windows devices priced under $1,000. Pricing estimates point to a range of $599 to $799, positioning the model well below the current MacBook Air, which now starts higher following this week's launch of the M5-based refresh.

The budget model could appeal to students and casual users seeking a lightweight notebook that retains modern Apple software support and build quality.

Cool name https://t.co/OR4xRV6WGi

– Mark Gurman (@markgurman) March 3, 2026

The brief mention of "MacBook Neo" could have been entirely routine – a placeholder name or testing entry uploaded by mistake – but it fits squarely within Apple's recent pattern of expanding its Mac strategy.

Whether the final product bears that name or something else, the listing's appearance has added fuel to expectations that Apple is preparing to re-enter the low-cost laptop segment after years of focusing on premium hardware.

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Apple accidentally reveals "MacBook Neo," the long-rumored low-cost MacBook

 

[The Talking Tech]

Mac going "cheap"... remember when Apple tried selling cheaper iPhones a few years back and then they stopped manufacturing them when they realized people were buying far more of those cheaper options than the expensive premium iPhones....I think the same scenario will happen again.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Mac going "cheap"... remember when Apple tried selling cheaper iPhones a few years back and then they stopped manufacturing them when they realized people were buying far more of those cheaper options than the expensive premium iPhones....I think the same scenario will happen again.

The 17e exists? Also those cheap phones had 3 generations over 6+ years.

 

[poshflamingos]

The 17e exists? Also those cheap phones had 3 generations over 6+ years.

It goes back further, Apple has been doing cheaper phones in one way or another since the iPhone 5C over a decade ago.

 

[Axeia]

Now do a mac mini with it so developers have a cheap way into the walled garden.

I'm guessing this is the real reason why the iPad never got MacOS support. The chip is plenty capable but always held back by iOS and its many limitations.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Now do a mac mini with it so developers have a cheap way into the walled garden.

I'm guessing this is the real reason why the iPad never got MacOS support. The chip is plenty capable but always held back by iOS and its many limitations.

The Mac mini already starts at $599. Literally the same price. AND it includes 16 GB of RAM.

 

[daffy duck]

iPad Pro with MacOS lite, mouse support and 2 usb-c 4 ports is all that is needed, rather than build a new crippled device with slower than iPhone 16 Pro performance.

 

[The Talking Tech]

The 17e exists? Also those cheap phones had 3 generations over 6+ years.

The question remains, where are those cheaper iphones options now?

 

[Hecate91]

Too many compromises for a $600 laptop, 8GB ram,no backlit keyboard, single usb 3.0 port, less battery life than a macbook air.
Those "cheap" iphones are often too much of a compromise as well, especially with only a single camera.

 

[Axeia]

The Mac mini already starts at $599. Literally the same price. AND it includes 16 GB of RAM.

That's why I'd like to see a 8GB one with this simpler chip.

If they can sell a whole laptop for the same price than perhaps using the same chip and 8GB they could knock the price down to 399? The simpler chip with the reduced RAM would be the biggest cost saver but not having to include a battery, screen, keyboard and touchpad saves money too. A simply thicker form factor would allow for a more cost effective cooking solution as well.
As long as it runs MacOS still it'd be a great way to test Mac builds of software for individual developers.

Considering how large the Mac mini still is they should probably make it a Mac Nano to save on material costs. Copy paste the iPhone motherboard, strip out the battery charging logic, replace the graphical bit by slapping on a HDMI port. Add a USB hub and it's good enough for the price.

Would make for a decent Apple TV alternative as well. if they keep an aluminium shell they could probably use that as the heatsink with a single heapipe (the chip is so small it's not like you could use more than one effectively).