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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Asus exec: Apple’s MacBook Neo is a ‘shock to the entire market,’ tries tagging it as a ‘content consumption’ device
Apple's $599 MacBook Neo has stunned lower-priced competitors, including Asus, peddler of plastic junk laptops. Priced $500 below… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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‘Immersive Navigation’ is the biggest Google Maps driving update in a decade
Google Maps is giving its driving experience the “biggest update in over a decade” with Immersive Navigation that redesigns visuals and offers “more intuitive guidance.” more…

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Disney+ is launching vertical video today, here’s how it works
Disney+ has announced it is rolling out vertical video to subscribers in the US today, with global rollouts to follow. Here are the details on Disney’s new ‘Verts’ feature. more…

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Parallels shares update on MacBook Neo and running a Windows virtual machine
Last week, Parallels cautioned that its Parallels Desktop for Mac software was not yet tested for MacBook Neo. Following the release of Apple’s $599 laptop, Parallels is back with an update on virtual machine compatibility. more…

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Apple turns 50: Tim Cook thanks users in heartfelt anniversary letter
As the company plans celebrations, Tim Cook posted an Apple 50th anniversary letter looking back with gratitude and ahead with excitement. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Score a deal on the just-launched M4 iPad Air — while it lasts!
You can already get a deal on the 2026 M4 iPad Air with savings on both 13-inch and 11-inch versions in a range of specs and colors. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple launches new ‘Hello Apple’ Instagram account
Apple has just started a new @helloapple account on Instagram, joining its existing @apple account. Here are the details. more…

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India is considering more incentives to capture a larger share of iPhone production
India is considering new manufacturing incentives in an effort to shift production of the iPhone and other smartphones out of China, and to stall any move to move it to the US.iPhone Air internal componentsOfficials in New Delhi are working on a new version of India's production-linked incentive program. The subsidy program, which has been crucial in attracting smartphone manufacturing, will expire in March 2026.The program helped attract major manufacturers, and the next phase could tie incentives more closely to export performance. The policy reflects India's growing role in Apple's supply chain as the company steadily increases iPhone production outside China. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple’s folding iPhone ‘Ultra’ could cost under $2,000
Macworld With the (somewhat) budget-focused iPhone 17e out of the way, leakers are free to focus on the more premium handsets which Apple will launch later in the year. And the most premium of these is the iPhone Fold, which has been the subject of several leaks this week. The most useful of the new revelations, assuming the information is accurate this far from launch, comes from the prolific albeit somewhat unproven leaker Instant Digital. They claim to have details of the iPhone Fold’s storage tiers, plus Chinese pricing for each. According to a post on Weibo, the models will look like this: 256GB: RMB 15,999 512GB: RMB 17,999 1TB: RMB 19,999 Based on current conversion rates between the Chinese yuan and the U.S. dollar, that would equate to the following approximate price tags: 256GB: $2,330 512GB: $2,621 1TB: $2,913 But of course, Apple rarely uses strict currency conversion rates when selling products in overseas territories, as U.K. fans have discovered to their cost. A 256GB iPhone 17 Pro, for example, costs $1,099 in the U.S., which ought to translate to RMB 7,546; instead, that device currently costs RMB 8,999. And if we use that conversion rate (dividing the cost in yuan by 8.188 and adjusting for Apple’s usual pricing tiers), we’d end up with the following more palatable U.S. matrix: 256GB: $1,999 512GB: $2,199 1TB: $2,399 A starting price close to $2,000 might sound like a lot, but that’s actually a fair bit lower than we’ve been expecting. Sources had previously pointed to a whopping $2,399. Elsewhere, the Korean-language site The Bell (via MacRumors) reports that the RAM in the iPhone Fold will be supplied by Samsung, and that there will be 12GB of it. That’s the same as the RAM allocation in the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro, but perhaps we should be grateful if it even stays the same, given how much the price of that commodity has risen. Finally, a new leaker, so take this with a big pinch of salt, has claimed the name of Apple’s first foldable will not be the iPhone Fold at all. An individual going by the handle WayLabs has claimed on Weibo that it will instead be called the iPhone Ultra. That isn’t an entirely absurd idea, given that Apple already uses that suffix on top-end products such as the Apple Watch Ultra and the Ultra versions of its M-class chips, so it’s not unprecedented. And a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman earlier this week floated the idea of a line of “Ultra” devices. Far less conventional is WayLabs’ prediction of the device’s starting price. Whereas Instant Digital predicted an entry point of RMB 15,999, WayLabs says only that it “may exceed 10,000,” a far lower threshold. For comparison, RMB 10,000 would translate to $1,456 using the current exchange rate, or just $1,221 using our more practical ratio. That’s barely any higher than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which starts at $1,199. A bargain! The iPhone Fold… sorry, iPhone Ultra is expected to launch in September. For all the latest news and rumors as we head towards the announcement, bookmark our regularly updated iPhone Fold superguide. If you can’t wait that long, check out our roundup of the best iPhone deals to get the lowest possible prices on the current range.

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