Former Microsoft lead reviews the MacBook Neo: ‘It just has to stay excellent’
Steven Sinofsky, Microsoft’s former President of the Windows Division, published an interesting review of the MacBook Neo, where he also explores what went wrong with Microsoft’s own early push toward lightweight ARM-based PCs. Here’s what he said. more…

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Former Microsoft lead reviews the MacBook Neo: ‘It just has to stay excellent’
Steven Sinofsky, Microsoft’s former President of the Windows Division, published an interesting review of the MacBook Neo, where he also explores what went wrong with Microsoft’s own early push toward lightweight ARM-based PCs. Here’s what he said. more…

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This app adds MacBook Neo and iMac accent colors to any Mac
macOS includes device-specific accent color options for iMac and MacBook Neo. Any Mac can unlock these special color options, it turns out, with an app. more…

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This app adds MacBook Neo and iMac accent colors to any Mac
macOS includes device-specific accent color options for iMac and MacBook Neo. Any Mac can unlock these special color options, it turns out, with an app. more…

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Apple's MacBook Neo Makes Repairs Easier, Cheaper Than Other MacBooks
Apple's new MacBook Neo is "easier to repair than other modern MacBooks," according to Ars Technica's Andrew Cunningham. It introduces a more repairable internal design that makes components like the battery and keyboard easier and cheaper to replace. An anonymous reader quotes an excerpt from the report: Replacements for pretty much any component in the Neo are simpler and involve fewer steps and tools than in the M5 MacBook Air. That includes the battery, which in the MacBook Air is attached to the chassis with multiple screws and adhesive strips but which in the Neo comes out relatively easily after you get some shielding and flex cables out of the way. But the most significant change in the Neo is that the keyboard is its own separate component. For essentially all modern MacBooks, going back at least as far as the late-2000s unibody aluminum MacBook designs, the keyboard has been integrated into the top part of the laptop case and is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to replace independently. [...] Apple hasn't yet listed MacBook Neo components in its parts store, but based on the repair prices it has announced, Neo components should cost quite a bit less than those for higher-end MacBooks. An out-of-warranty battery replacement for the Neo will cost $149, down from $199 for current Airs and $229 for current MacBook Pros; fixing accidental screen or external enclosure damage will cost AppleCare+ subscribers $49 for a Neo, down from $99 for other MacBooks. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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iOS 26 added four new features I’ve been using almost every day
Major iPhone updates like iOS 26 typically come with hundreds of new features and changes, but a much smaller subset that become daily go-tos. Here are four new iOS 26 features I’ve found myself using just about every day. more…

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DIRECTV app brings Sports Central to the iPhone and iPad
Sports Central isn’t just a part of DIRECTV on TVs anymore. This week, DIRECTV updated its iPhone and iPad app with an overhaul that brings the live sports hub feature to iOS. more…

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New iPhone Fold details include rumored RAM, storage, and pricing
The iPhone Fold is coming this fall, and new rumors today outline what to expect from included RAM, storage, and pricing. more…

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India preparing fresh manufacturing incentives as Apple shifts more iPhone production
As India’s current phone manufacturing incentive program is about to expire, the country is planning fresh incentives to keep production growing. Here are the details. more…

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MacBook Neo teardown: Apple’s most repairable laptop ever?
An early MacBook Neo teardown highlights a very user-friendly internal design for an Apple laptop. The device, Apple's new budget-oriented… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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MacBook Neo review, Apple leadership changes, iPhone Fold rumors 
Chance and Zac talk through changes to Apple’s leadership website and what they signal for the future. There’s also a pair of new Bloomberg reports focused on Apple’s delayed Siri smart display product, plus the looming iPhone Fold’s software interface. Finally, they go in-depth on MacBook Neo, discussing Chance’s review and answering some Ask9to5Mac questions.   And in Happy Hour Plus, the pair do a check-in on Apple Vision Pro and whether there’s about to a big boom in gaming. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join. Sponsored by BenQ: Check out BenQ’s smarter displays made for how Mac users actually work and sign up for the giveaway here. Sponsored by Shopify: See less carts go abandoned and more sales. Sign up for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/happyhour. Sponsored by HelloFresh: America’s #1 meal kit! Get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/happyhour10fm. more…

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iPhone 17e hands-on: Apple finally got the entry level iPhone right [Video]
Apple has attempted for years to give us an entry-level and budget-minded iPhone. First, we had the iPhone 5c with all its vibrant colors, then we got the iPhone SE line, and then last year Apple introduced the iPhone 16e. But these iPhones always came with compromises that made them hard to recommend, like limited storage, key missing features like MagSafe, or outdated hardware. With the new iPhone 17e, I think Apple may have finally solved that problem. The iPhone 17e is Apple’s first true budget-friendly iPhone that is worth recommending to the masses. Here is what you should know. more…

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India plans fresh incentives for iPhone production in boost for Apple
India is preparing new incentives to support domestic manufacturing of mobile phones following the expiration this month of its… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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First MacBook Neo teardown praises ‘absolutely amazing’ repairability
Macworld Our reviewer calls it the perfect gateway Mac. But if that’s not enough to make you like the surprisingly affordable MacBook Neo, the first teardown of the device has revealed another factor in its favor: repairability. A new video from the Australian YouTube channel TECH RE-NU demonstrates what the presenter describes as a “speedrun disassembly” of the MacBook Neo, from unscrewing the bottom plate to removing the trackpad. Without appearing to rush in any way, the presenter achieves this in double-quick time, while praising the way that the Neo’s simple construction lends itself to disassembly and easy repair. When the speakers are popped out, they comment on the lack of sticky tabs. The battery lifts out easily (once the 18 screws are removed), and there’s no sticky adhesive. The audio jack is “nice and modular.” And while there is “a little bit” of adhesive on the trackpad, the presenter says that’s not the end of the world. Overall it’s a highly positive evaluation. “We’ve done this in less than 100 minutes,” they say, while a caption points out that it’s actually been six. “Which is absolutely amazing for an Apple laptop. I can’t say we’ve ever had a Mac that looks as repairable or as modular as this one. “It’s just super straightforward, elegant design. Apple has kept the costs down, [it’s] got the simplicity up, and that’s just meant a really repairable, very easy-to-open laptop.” As the presenter notes, Apple designers have not always been this kind to repairers. Last year the iPhone 16e was criticised by iFixit for the “terrible design” of its USB-C port, although other elements were received more favorably. A few years earlier the same site gave the iPhone 15 Pro Max a repairability score of just 4 out of 10 and complained about the company’s “ongoing constriction of repair freedoms through its restrictive parts pairing system.” And that’s before we even get into the “excruciating gauntlet of hurdles” presented by Apple’s self-repair program. The issue, generally, has been that Apple receives revenue if you get your devices repaired at an Apple Store or accredited partner, so the company is incentivised to gatekeep the process. On the other hand, public praise of a product’s repairability can only help sales, so perhaps the Neo will herald the start of a new Apple strategy in more way than one.

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M6 MacBook Pro: Six new features coming later this year
Apple has a new M6 MacBook Pro rumored to launch later this year with a total design overhaul. Here are six new features expected with the M6 MacBook Pro. more…

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Apple Grand Central retail store closed due to special activity
Apple Grand Central in New York City is closed today and tomorrow due to some sort of mysterious special activity. Customers visiting Apple’s retail location in Grand Central Terminal will be turned away until normal hours resume on Saturday, March 14, at 10 am. more…

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Amazon fire sale slashes $320 off this M4 MacBook Air
Macworld Apple MacBook Air M4, 15-inch View Deal Wow! Now that the M5 is here, we expected to see sales on the M4 Apple MacBook Air M4, but we didn’t know they’d be this good. Instead of getting it for $1,399, Amazon is selling the 15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage for $1,079, the very best price we’ve ever seen for this laptop. The MacBook Air M4 is easily one of our favorite laptops, and the perfect 5-star rating we gave it is proof enough. We gave the MacBook Air our Editors’ Choice award, too, appreciating the fact that you can add two external 6K displays at 60Hz, the M4 performance, and the new 12MP Center Stage camera. The laptop is super speedy and will deliver a great performance whether you’re running work apps, editing videos, or running graphically intensive games. The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display supports over one billion colors, which makes it an ideal pick for content creation and editing. The 18 hours of battery life will make it easier to stay productive and connected anywhere you may go without needing to plug in. The 15-inch MacBook Air M4 with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage has a fantastic price right now, and you really shouldn’t miss out on the chance to get it ordered.

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Review: Apple TV’s ‘Imperfect Women’ is a gripping, near-flawless mystery thriller
Based on Araminta Hall’s novel of the same name, the new Apple TV limited series “Imperfect Women” examines a crime that shatters… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Get an iPhone 17e on T-Mobile, no trade-in needed
The iPhone 17e is one of the best values in a smartphone, and T-Mobile will make it easy to upgrade, no trade-in required. Get the iPhone 17e on T-Mobile, plus Magenta Status and more.Get an iPhone 17e on T-Mobile - Image credit: AppleWhether your device is ready for an upgrade or you're just looking for something new, the iPhone 17e is a great choice. New and existing T-Mobile customers can get an iPhone 17e on them, plus access to perks, benefits, and special features.Get an iPhone 17e on T-Mobile Continue Reading on AppleInsider

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PSA: Neo won’t work with some MacBook USB-C hubs
Macworld While the MacBook Neo’s USB-C ports look the same as the Thunderbolt ports on a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, Apple’s new budget laptop won’t work with every USB-C hub on the market, including some of Macworld’s favorites. Since USB-C is forward- and backward-compatible, most single-port USB-C hubs work just fine with the Neo’s USB 3 port, even if they’re made for Thunderbolt or USB 4. However, some USB-C hubs—such as the Anker 547, Satechi Pro Hub Max, and Plugable AMS–5IN1E—take advantage of both of the MacBook’s side-by-side ports to supply both charging and data transfer by having a double-USB-C connector from hub to Mac. By using both ports, the bandwidth is not compromised by the need to supply power to the laptop, and they can attach neatly to the left side of the Mac without blocking any connections. Since the Neo’s USB-C ports are not equal–the rear USB 3 port boasts a data rate of 10Gbps while the front USB 2 port is really only fit for charging or attaching a low-data device such as a wired mouse or keyboard. As such, you need to make sure that you connect single-port hubs to the rear 10Gbps port on the Neo to get full speeds (Apple helpfully warns you if you try to connect something to the wrong Neo port). Those different ports are a bigger problem if the hub is not set up in the same formation. Take the Anker 547 USB-C Hub (7-in-2, for MacBook), a fine USB4 hub that adds seven ports, including a USB-C data port, two legacy USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and SD and microSD card slots. Anker On the MacBook Air and Pri, this hub uses the rear USB-C port for passthrough charging, and the other for downstream data/monitor and data transfer. Since the MacBook Neo’s rear port supports up to 10Gbps of data and the front port is limited to just 480Mbps, it’s simply not up to the task of fetching video data from the Neo or really doing much more—aside from charging—or supporting a connected wired mouse. Even the USB-A ports on most hubs are 10 times faster than the Neo’s second USB-C port can handle. Anker An example of an Anker hub that does work with the Neo is the Anker 555 USB-C Hub (above) that connects to the MacBook via a single USB-C connector. Satechi The Satechi Pro Hub Max (above) is also another dual-USB-C hub that’s not compatible with the MacBook Neo. Below you can see what each of the two USB-C connectors controls in the hub. Satechi Since only the rear port on the MacBook Neo supports video output, connecting the Pro Hub Max to the MacBook Neo won’t support HDMI, and the rest of the ports would also be significantly limited to USB 2.0 speeds. The Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter is an example of a hub that works with the Neo.Simon Jary Plugable told Macworld that it is awaiting the arrival of a MacBook Neo to test it with all of its devices, including its 5-port AMS–5IN1E hub. However, it expects the AMS-5IN1E will be limited in functionality when connected to the Neo. Plugable That hub’s left USB-C male connector is a direct “bridge” between the MacBook and the female USB-C port on the Neo. This means that the USB-C port on the AMS-5IN1E should behave exactly like the rear port on the MacBook Neo (that is, 10Gbps data, charging, and DisplayPort). However, the right USB-C male connector connects the other functionalities of the hub, which are the two USB 3.0 ports, audio jack, and Ethernet port. Plugable suspects that both the USB ports and Ethernet port will therefore be downgraded to USB 2.0 speeds. Presuming this is the case, Plugable believes that its hub will likely still be useful for lightweight port expansion on the Neo for users who want to connect a wired mouse and keyboard, but won’t live up to its full potential. An example of a Plugable hub that does work with the MacBook Neo is the 9-in-1 Plugable Multiport Adapter, pictured below showing its single USB-C connector. The 9-in-1 Plugable Multiport Adapter is a hub that connects to the MacBook via a single USB-C connector. Attach it to the Neo’s rear USB-C port and everything will be fine. Plugable The MacBook Neo should be fully capable of working with single male-connector USB-C hubs if they connect via the rear/left port on the Neo. Just avoid any hubs that feature two male connectors as they will fail on the lower-speed Neo port. Read our reviews of the best USB-C hubs for MacBook, as well as our MacBook Neo review. And to find more great gear that we think Neo owners should seriously consider, read our feature on the 10 essential accessories for the MacBook Neo.

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9to5Mac Daily: March 12, 2026 – Foldable iPhone rumors, Apple 50 
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by CardPointers: The best way to maximize your credit card rewards. 9to5Mac Daily listeners can exclusively save 30% and get a $100 Savings Card. more…

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Tim Cook salutes ‘the crazy ones’ ahead of Apple’s 50th anniversary
Macworld Apple isn’t done unveiling new stuff this month. Following the launch of the MacBook Neo, Apple has launched a new Instagram account, helloapple, that’s clearly timed to promote its new affordable laptop and other products to Gen Z and Gen Alpha.  For one of its first posts, Apple has published a letter from Tim Cook titled “50 Years of Thinking Different.” Also on Apple.com, it marks Apple’s upcoming 50th anniversary on April 1 and celebrates Apple’s “people who think different.” View this post on Instagram The logo features Apple’s original rainbow of colors scribbled with an Apple Pencil, while the letter quotes from Apple’s iconic “Here’s to the crazy ones” text that fueled the Think Different ad campaign that ran from 1997-2002: If you’ve taught us anything, it’s that the people crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do. So here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. It ends with “Here’s to you,” followed by Tim Cook’s signature. The letter is another indication that Apple sees the MacBook Neo as the start of a new era. The new laptop, which went on sale Wednesday and sold out its initial run in most colors, joins a long line of Apple devices that changed the landscape both within and outside the company: iPod, iPhone, iMac, and new MacBook Neo. It’s unclear whether Apple has any new products planned for its 50th anniversary on April 1st, but it’s clear that Tim Cook and Apple are once again thinking differently.

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Yes, you can run Parallels on a MacBook Neo, but you might not want to
The Parallels Desktop virtualization tool is confirmed to work on Apple's new MacBook Neo, but there are enough caveats to suggest that you'd be better off buying a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro instead.Apple's MacBook Neo works just fine with Parallels DesktopParallels Desktop has long been the go-to app for people who need to run virtualized machines on a Mac. It's a great way for people to use Windows apps without having to use a separate machine or switch entirely.With the release of the MacBook Neo, some had wondered whether its A18 Pro chip would be capable of running Parallels Desktop. The A18 Pro first debuted in the iPhone 16 Pro, and this is the first time a Mac has used an iPhone A-series chip. M-series chips are normally found in Apple's computers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Best MacBook Neo deals: Where to buy Apple’s cheapest MacBook
Macworld Today’s best MacBook Neo deals right now These are the MacBook Neo recommendations we would confidently give to our own friends and family. They are based on the best prices right now at hundreds of resellers of Apple products. Today’s best MacBook Neo deals: U.S. Amazon, MacBook Neo, 512GB: £697, ($2 off, MSRP $699) – It’s only $2 off but you could get it in the next few days Best Buy, MacBook Neo, 256GB: $599 – Plus and Total members get a $25 bonus reward with purchase, there’s a longer wait for delivery though. Today’s best MacBook Neo deals: UK KRCS, MacBook Neo, 256GB: £549, (£50 off, RRP £599) You can already save £50, stock is limited though so you may have to wait Amazon, MacBook Neo, 256GB: £569.90, (£29 off, RRP £599) If you are a subscriber it’s hard to beat Amazon, delivery is just a few days. KRCS, MacBook Neo, 512GB: £649, (£50 off, RRP £699) You can already save £50, stock is limited though so you may have to wait The MacBook Neo is Apple’s new entry-level laptop, launched in March 2026 as the most affordable MacBook ever released. Starting at $599, it offers A18 Pro performance, a 13-inch display and up to 16 hours of battery life. If you want to buy one we can help you find the best price. Retailers sometimes offer discounts that can save you money, and we track all the Apple retailers constantly, so we always know who has the best price. In this guide we round up the best MacBook Neo deals available right now and let you know where to buy one for the lowest price. We also help you decide if the MacBook Neo is right for you and explain which model to choose. MacBook Neo: At a glance A18 Pro chip 8GB RAM 256GB or 512GB storage 13-inch Liquid Retina display Is the MacBook Neo worth buying? Foundry The MacBook Neo is ideal if you want the cheapest possible MacBook while still getting Apple’s macOS. Reasons to buy Affordable price Long battery life Lightweight design Reasons to skip Limited RAM options Fewer ports Less powerful than MacBook Air People are drawn to the MacBook Neo for several key reasons:  Affordability: The primary draw is the breakthrough price point. At $599, it is $500 cheaper than the current M5 MacBook Air. This low entry price makes it a “golden ticket” for those who previously found MacBooks too expensive.  Premium Design and Build Quality: Despite its budget label, the Neo maintains Apple’s high manufacturing standards. It features an all-aluminum chassis with no plastic parts, a rarity for laptops at this price range. As our reviewer noted, it feels just as premium as a MacBook Air, avoiding the “cheap” feel of competing plastic PCs. It also comes in a variety of vibrant colors, including Indigo, Blush (pink), Citrus (yellow-green), and Silver.  Sufficient Performance for Everyday Tasks: While it uses a mobile-class processor, the A18 Pro’s efficiency allows it to handle general productivity with ease. You’ll be able to write documents, create spreadsheets, build presentations, visit websites, check email, manage your calendar, video conference with people, and a lot more with ease on the MacBook Neo Seamless Ecosystem Integration: For the billions of iPhone users, the Neo offers a low-cost way to access the Apple ecosystem. It supports native integrations like iPhone Mirroring, Universal Clipboard, and iCloud sync. It allows users to “go all-in” on Apple – combining a Neo, iPhone 17e, and Apple Watch SE – for a total cost significantly lower than previous years. Portability and Battery Life: At 2.7 pounds and 0.50 inches thick, the Neo is highly portable . While its battery life is lower than the Air or Pro models, it still offers up to 16 hours of video streaming or 11 hours of wireless web browsing, which is sufficient for a full day of school or general work.  Who should buy MacBook Neo Students and Schools: The $499 education price makes it a direct competitor to Chromebooks in the K-12 and college markets. First-Time Mac Buyers: It serves as an affordable “gateway” for iPhone users who want seamless integration (iCloud, AirDrop, iMessage) without spending $1,000+. Casual Users: Grandparents or anyone whose primary activities are web browsing, social media, and video calls. Secondary Device Owners: Pro users who want a lightweight, inexpensive laptop for travel or vacations. Which MacBook Neo model should you buy? (256GB vs 512GB) Foundry The $599 Base Model Includes 256GB of storage Lacks Touch ID Best for students and light use The $699 Model:  Includes 512GB storage  Adds Touch ID  Better for storage-heavy users Our recommendation: The 512GB MacBook Neo is the better buy for most people thanks to Touch ID and extra storage. MacBook Neo Limitations What features re missing from MacBook Neo? No MagSafe charging No Thunderbolt ports Base model no Touch ID No backlit keyboard Read about the MacBook Neo missing features. Should you buy MacBook Neo or MacBook Air? Eugen Wegmann The Neo is positioned as Apple’s entry-level MacBook below the MacBook Air. The 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models were recently updated with the M5 chip . They remain the top choice for most users because they balance performance, battery life, and a thin design MacBook Neo vs MacBook Air  FeatureMacBook NeoMacBook AirStarting price$599$1,099ChipA18 ProM5RAM8GB16GBSSD256GB512GBBattery16 hours18 hoursScreen size13-inch13.6-inch and 15.3-inch  Also consider: MacBook Air deals MacBook Pro deals Best accessories for MacBook Neo MacBook Neo guide and latest news Best place to buy the MacBook Neo The obvious place to buy a MacBook Neo is Apple, but it’s not necessarily the best. One benefit of buying from Apple is you could trade in your old Mac and get money off. We have an article explaining How to get money off with Apple’s trade-in program. Buying directly from Apple also means you’ll get: Full configuration options Trade-in discounts Student pricing However, Apple rarely discounts Macs, so if you are looking for the best price you need to look elsewhere. Our price comparison tables will show the best prices for the two MacBook Neo models right now: Apple, MacBook Neo, 256GB, MSRP: $599/£599 Retailer Price $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Apple, MacBook Neo, 521GB, MSRP: $699/£699 Retailer Price $599 View Deal $599 View Deal $599 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Where to buy MacBook Neo Michael Simon / Foundry You can buy a MacBook Neo directly from Apple in the U.S. or at Apple U.K. You may, however, find a MacBook Neo in stock and discounted at one of these resellers. There are plenty of stores and Apple Premium Resellers around the world that offer discounts on new and old Macs, so it’s worth shopping around (read our Where to buy a Mac article for more advice). We also recommend the following resellers: U.S. retailers Want to buy a MacBook Neo from Apple? View the MacBook Neo in the Apple Store. Get an education discount: View the MacBook Neo in the Apple Education Store. View the MacBook Neo at Amazon. View the MacBook Neo at B&H Photo. View the MacBook Neo at Best Buy View the MacBook Neo at Walmart. You can find the MacBook Neo at Adorama. U.K. retailers If you want to buy a MacBook Neo from Apple: View the MacBook Neo in the Apple Store. Save money if you are a teacher or student: View the MacBook Neo in the Apple Education Store. Get a Mac from Amazon where we often see discounts: View the MacBook Air at Amazon. AO.com also offers discounts from time to time: View the MacBook Neo at AO.com You may find the MacBook Neo at Argos, although we only tend to see deals in conjunction with events like Black Friday. View the MacBook Neo at Currys. View the MacBook Neo at John Lewis. We often see discounts on the MacBook Neo at Laptops Direct. . You may also find discounts on the MacBook Neo at Very. U.K. Apple Authorised Resellers KRCS Insight iStore Select Western Computer Jigsaw MacBook Neo price: What you should pay The MacBook Neo starts at $599/£599, but deals can reduce the price depending on the retailer. Launch price: $599/£599 Good deal: $549-$579/£549-£579 Best seasonal deals: By Black Friday in November 2026 we could see prices drop to $529/£529 but we don’t expect them to go lower than that. MacBook Neo FAQ FAQ 1. When was the MacBook Neo released? March 2026. 2. What chip does it use? Apple A18 Pro. 3. Why does MacBook Neo use an iPhone chip? Apple uses an the A18 Pro chip, as first seen in the iPhone 16 for three main reasons: Price: Apple’s decision to use an iPhone-class processor in the MacBook Neo – specifically the A18 Pro – represents a strategic shift aimed at creating a high-quality, entry-level laptop at a breakthrough price point. Efficiency: Apple’s A-series chips are designed with the same fundamental architecture as the M-series Mac chips, making them uniquely suited for laptop tasks despite their mobile origins. This efficiency allows the Neo to handle everyday productivity – such as web browsing, streaming, and document editing – without the lag typically associated with budget Windows or ChromeOS devices. Supply Chain: Apple is able to capitalize on existing “economies of scale”. Because the chip was previously used in the iPhone 16 Pro, the manufacturing processes are mature and highly optimized and Apple is able to maintain better margins on a low-cost device than its competitors. The A18 Chip is adequate for the MacBook Neo’s intended market. 4. Which Mac chip is the A18 Pro comparable to? In our tests of the MacBook Neo the single core performance was faster than M3 and almost matched M4. In multi-core it was closer to M1. 5. Is it good for students? Yes – it’s designed as a low-cost Mac that is suitable for students. Apple has discounted price of $499/£499 for education. 6. Does MacBook Neo replace the MacBook Air? No, it sits below the Air in Apple’s lineup. 7. Is MacBook Neo worth it? MacBook Neo is widely considered an exceptional value for specific users, particularly students, first-time Mac buyers, and those with basic computing needs. Starting at $599, it is the most affordable laptop Apple has ever released, yet it maintains a premium all-aluminum design that reviewers say feels like a $1,000 machine.

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Apple's MacBook Neo makes repairs easier and cheaper than other MacBooks
Neo is the first MacBook in a long time with an easily replaceable keyboard.

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New Apple TV prestige thriller is coming next week, and reviews are in
Imperfect Women is a new Apple TV thriller series premiering next week, and the first reviews have just arrived. Here’s what reviewers are saying. more…

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This great-looking MagSafe iPhone battery is built for life on the go [Review] ★★★★☆
The slim Twelve South PowerCapsule MagSafe power bank adds hours of battery life to your iPhone. We did hands-on testing. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Deals: First cash discounts on M5 MacBook Air or $320 off M4 model, M5 MacBook Pro $200 off, AirPods 4, more
In today’s 9to5toys Lunch Break we have the first cash discounts across the new M5 MacBook Air lineup at $50 off, alongside a giant deal on this M4 model at $320 off the original list price courtesy of Amazon. We also have $50 discounts on the M5 Pro MacBook lineup joined by $200 off several M5 MacBook Pro configurations as well as the ongoing discount on AirPods 4 with ANC, and more. Scope it all out below.  more…

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Today in Apple history: Apple market cap breezes by Walmart
On March 12, 2010, Apple moved into third place among publicly listed U.S. companies. Soon the Apple market cap would hit the top. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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MacBook Neo is more repairable than any Apple laptop made in the last decade
Apple's new MacBook Neo design makes it startlingly quick and simple to repair, with Self Service Repair program instructions proving the point.MacBook Neo's keyboard is now easier to repairApple first announced its Self Service Repair program back in 2021, and it was really a case of doing it before being forced to by law. It's slowly expanded out, launching first for the iPhone in April 2022, and later expanding to Macs.Throughout, it's been criticized for being expensive and for making users go through hoops to get the work done. Now, though, Apple appears to be embracing the Right to Repair pressures it has faced, and do so both with the program, and with its designs. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Iran-Backed Hackers Claim Wiper Attack on Medtech Firm Stryker
A hacktivist group with links to Iran's intelligence agencies is claiming responsibility for a data-wiping attack against Stryker, a global medical technology company based in Michigan. News reports out of Ireland, Stryker's largest hub outside of the United States, said the company sent home more than 5,000 workers there today. Meanwhile, a voicemail message at Stryker's main U.S. headquarters says the company is currently experiencing a building emergency.

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Microsoft Patch Tuesday, March 2026 Edition
Microsoft Corp. today pushed security updates to fix at least 77 vulnerabilities in its Windows operating systems and other software. There are no pressing "zero-day" flaws this month (compared to February's five zero-day treat), but as usual some patches may deserve more rapid attention from organizations using Windows. Here are a few highlights from this month's Patch Tuesday.

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How AI Assistants are Moving the Security Goalposts
AI-based assistants or "agents" -- autonomous programs that have access to the user's computer, files, online services and can automate virtually any task -- are growing in popularity with developers and IT workers. But as so many eyebrow-raising headlines over the past few weeks have shown, these powerful and assertive new tools are rapidly shifting the security priorities for organizations, while blurring the lines between data and code, trusted co-worker and insider threat, ninja hacker and novice code jockey.

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Mac Gaming Guide: What Works, What Doesn’t, and How to Get the Best Experience
Mac gaming is in a better place than it used to be — but it’s not “anything a PC can do, a Mac can do.” Some games run beautifully on modern Macs, especially Apple Silicon models. Others still don’t show up on macOS at all, or they run with limitations. This guide is here to […] The post appeared first on The Mac Security Blog.

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Who is the Kimwolf Botmaster “Dort”?
In early January 2026, KrebsOnSecurity revealed how a security researcher disclosed a vulnerability that was used to assemble Kimwolf, the world's largest and most disruptive botnet. Since then, the person in control of Kimwolf -- who goes by the handle "Dort" -- has coordinated a barrage of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS), doxing and email flooding attacks against the researcher and this author, and more recently caused a SWAT team to be sent to the researcher's home. This post examines what is knowable about Dort based on public information.

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‘Starkiller’ Phishing Service Proxies Real Login Pages, MFA
Most phishing websites are little more than static copies of login pages for popular online destinations, and they are often quickly taken down by anti-abuse activists and security firms. But a stealthy new phishing-as-a-service offering lets customers sidestep both of these pitfalls: It uses cleverly disguised links to load the target brand's real website, and then acts as a relay between the target and the legitimate site -- forwarding the victim's username, password and multi-factor authentication (MFA) code to the legitimate site and returning its responses.

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Unpacking the New “Matryoshka” ClickFix Variant: Typosquatting Campaign Delivers macOS Stealer
Executive Summary Intego Antivirus Labs is tracking an evolution of the “ClickFix” social engineering campaign targeting macOS users. Dubbed Matryoshka due to its nested obfuscation layers, this variant uses a fake installation/fix flow to trick victims into executing a malicious Terminal command. While the ClickFix tactic is not new, this campaign introduces stronger evasion techniques […] The post appeared first on The Mac Security Blog.

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Kimwolf Botnet Swamps Anonymity Network I2P
For the past week, the massive "Internet of Things" (IoT) botnet known as Kimwolf has been disrupting the The Invisible Internet Project (I2P), a decentralized, encrypted communications network designed to anonymize and secure online communications. I2P users started reporting disruptions in the network around the same time the Kimwolf botmasters began relying on it to evade takedown attempts against the botnet's control servers.

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Patch Tuesday, February 2026 Edition
Microsoft today released updates to fix more than 50 security holes in its Windows operating systems and other software, including patches for a whopping six "zero-day" vulnerabilities that attackers are already exploiting in the wild.

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Please Don’t Feed the Scattered Lapsus ShinyHunters
A prolific data ransom gang that calls itself Scattered Lapsus ShinyHunters (SLSH) has a distinctive playbook when it seeks to extort payment from victim firms: Harassing, threatening and even swatting executives and their families, all while notifying journalists and regulators… Read More »

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Who Operates the Badbox 2.0 Botnet?
The cybercriminals in control of Kimwolf -- a disruptive botnet that has infected more than 2 million devices -- recently shared a screenshot indicating they'd compromised the control panel for Badbox 2.0, a vast China-based botnet powered by malicious software that comes pre-installed on many Android TV streaming boxes. Both the FBI and Google say they are hunting for the people behind Badbox 2.0, and thanks to bragging by the Kimwolf botmasters we may now have a much clearer idea about that.

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iPads are on sale starting at $299, $50 off Apple’s MSRP
Amazon has Apple's 11th-generation A16 WiFi iPads in stock on sale again for $50 off MSRP right now. Shipping is free: - 11" 11th-generation 128GB WiFi iPads: $299 $50 off MSRP - 11" 11th-generation 256GB WiFi iPads: $399 $50 off MSRP - 11" 11th-generation 512GB WiFi iPads: $599 $50 off MSRP Amazon's prices are the lowest iPads prices currently available for 11th-generation models. For the latest prices & deals, keep an eye on our iPad Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Amazon offering early $50 discount on select 15-inch M5 MacBook Airs
Amazon is offering an early $50 discount on select 15" M5 MacBook Airs, each with free shipping. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party. Note that the discount may only apply to specific colors and specifications, see their site for more details. For the latest sales & prices see our 15" MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Deal Alert! 14-inch M5 MacBook Pros on sale for $200-$300 off Apple’s MSRP, prices start at only $1399
Amazon is offering 14" M5 MacBook Pro discounts ranging up to $300 off Apple's standard MSRP, each including free shipping: - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/512GB/Black): $1399.99, MSRP $1599 - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/512GB/Silver): $1399.99, MSRP $1599 - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/1TB/Black): $1499.99, MSRP $1799 - 14" M5 MacBook Pro (16GB/1TB/Silver): $1649, MSRP $1799 These are the lowest prices available for new M5 MacBook Pros right now. For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 14-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Clearance 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pro on sale for $500 off original MSRP
B&H Photo is offering a $500 discount on the Clearance, Silver, 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pros (48GB/1TB) right now. B&H offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses: - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (48GB/1TB/Silver): $3499, $500 off MSRP Their price is the lowest available for this configuration. For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 16-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Verizon is selling Apple AirPods 3 for $199, $50 off MSRP
Verizon has Apple AirPods Pro 3 on sale for 20% off MSRP on their online store right now. Their price is among the lowest prices available for these AirPods from any Apple retailer. Verizon service is not required for purchase. Buy online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). Sale price for online orders only, in-store price may vary. - AirPods Pro 3rd-generation: $199 $50 (20%) off For the latest prices and sales, see our Apple AirPods Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Amazon is offering new 11-inch M4 iPad Air preorder discounts ranging up to $80 off MSRP
Take $40-$80 off new 11-inch M4 iPad Airs at Amazon as part of their early preorder discounts. Shipping is free: - 11" 128GB WiFi M4 iPad Air: $559, $40 off MSRP - 11" 256GB WiFi M4 iPad Air: $649, $50 off MSRP - 11" 512GB WiFi M4 iPad Air: $839, $60 off MSRP - 11" 1TB WiFi M4 iPad Air: $1019, $80 off MSRP Be sure to order from Amazon itself rather than a third-party seller. These are the lowest prices currently available for new 11" M4-powered iPad Airs. For the latest prices & sales, keep an eye on our iPad Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Apple AirPods Max on sale for $120 off MSRP, only $429.99
Walmart has AirPods Max headphones on sale for $429.99, $120 off Apple's MSRP. Sale price for online orders only, in-store price may vary. Order online, and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). It's the lowest price available for these AirPods among the retailers we track. Keep an eye on our AirPods Price Tracker for the latest prices and deals, updated daily.

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Guess what? Walmart and Target are selling the MacBook Neo on their online stores
Walmart and Target are selling new macOS products on their online stores for the first time. Walmart had previously sold clearance 13" M1 MacBook Airs, but this is the first time either store is selling a brand new macOS product. You can preorder any new 256GB or 512GB MacBook Neo today, and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available). Apple's official release date for the Neo is on March 11th: - MacBook Neo at Walmart - MacBook Neo at Target For the latest sales and deals, see our new MacBook Neo Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Price Drop! Take $100-$300 off clearance 15-inch M4 MacBook Airs
Amazon has clearance 15" M4 MacBook Airs on sale for $100-$300 off Apple's original MSRP. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party: - 15" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB): $1099, $100 off - 15" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB): $1199, $200 off - 15" M4 MacBook Air (24GB/512GB/): $1299, $300 off These are the lowest clearance 15" M4 MacBook Air prices currently available at Apple retailers. For the latest sales & prices see our 15" MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Price Drop! Take $100-$200 off clearance 13-inch M4 MacBook Airs
Amazon has clearance 13" M4 MacBook Airs on sale for $100-$200 off Apple's original MSRP. Be sure to select Amazon as the seller, rather than a third-party: - 13" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB): $899, $100 off - 13" M4 MacBook Air (16GB/512GB): $999, $200 off - 13" M4 MacBook Air (24GB/512GB): $1199, $200 off These are the lowest clearance M4 MacBook Air prices currently available at Apple retailers. For the latest sales & prices see our 13" MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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MacBook Neo Arrives at $599 — Here’s How It Compares to the New M5 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
Apple has expanded its laptop lineup in a big way this week, introducing the all-new MacBook Neo just one day after refreshing the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro families with next-generation M5 chips. The Neo becomes Apple’s most affordable laptop ever, starting at $599 ($499 for education), and it marks a push to bring macOS to an even broader audience. MacBook Neo features a durable aluminum enclosure weighing just 2.7 pounds and comes in four colors: blush, indigo, silver, and citrus. It has soft rounded corners and a cohesive design that extends to the Magic Keyboard and matching wallpapers. The 13-inch Liquid Retina display offers a 2408-by-1506 resolution, 500 nits of brightness, support for 1 billion colors, and an anti-reflective coating. For a laptop at this price point, the display specs are especially impressive and should make everyday tasks like browsing, writing, and streaming feel premium. Under the hood, MacBook Neo is powered by the A18 Pro chip — the same class of silicon found in Apple’s high-end iPhones — scaled for the Mac. The system includes a 5-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, enabling strong everyday performance and fast on-device AI tasks. Apple claims it is up to 50 percent faster for common tasks like web browsing compared to a Core Ultra 5 PC and up to three times faster for AI workloads. The design is fanless, meaning it runs completely silent. Battery life is rated at up to 16 hours, making it a strong all-day machine for students and casual users. The Neo includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, dual beamforming microphones, and dual side-firing speakers with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support. Connectivity is simple but sufficient: two USB-C ports (both capable of charging), a headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 6. It runs macOS Tahoe with built-in Apple Intelligence features and tight iPhone integration through Continuity tools like Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and iPhone Mirroring. On the downside, the Neo only provides 8GB of RAM and 500 nits of display brightness. By contrast, the newly updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models are built around Apple’s next-generation M-series chips: Apple M5, Apple M5 Pro, and Apple M5 Max. These processors are significantly more powerful than A18 Pro, offering more CPU and GPU cores, greater memory bandwidth, and much stronger sustained performance. While the MacBook Air remains fanless like the Neo, it is designed for heavier multitasking and more demanding creative tasks. It also typically offers longer battery life and expanded external display support. The MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max go much further. With active cooling systems, they are built to handle prolonged high-performance workloads such as video editing, software development, 3D rendering, and advanced AI processing. The Pro lineup also features Apple’s Liquid Retina XDR displays with dramatically higher brightness, HDR support, and ProMotion 120Hz refresh rates. In addition, they offer a wider array of ports, including multiple Thunderbolt connections, HDMI, SD card slots, and MagSafe charging — features that professionals rely on daily. Ultimately, MacBook Neo is not meant to compete with the Air or Pro on raw power. Instead, it establishes a new entry point into the Mac ecosystem. For students, families, and first-time Mac buyers who primarily browse the web, stream media, write papers, and occasionally edit photos, Neo may be more than sufficient. Users who need more performance headroom or plan to grow into heavier creative workloads will still find the MacBook Air a better long-term investment. Professionals whose livelihoods depend on speed, graphics power, and advanced display technology will continue to gravitate toward the MacBook Pro lineup. With the introduction of MacBook Neo, Apple has created a clear three-tier structure: Neo for accessibility, Air for mainstream performance, and Pro for professional power. It’s a strategic move that broadens the Mac market while preserving meaningful differentiation across the lineup.

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Apple AirPods 4 on sale for $89, $40 off MSRP
Walmart has Apple AirPods 4 on sale on their online store right now for $40 off MSRP, only $89. Sale price for online orders only, in-store price may vary. Order online and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available): - AirPods 4: $89, $40 off This is the lowest sale price available right now for Apple AirPods. Keep an eye on our AirPods Price Tracker for the latest prices and deals, updated daily.

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