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came with compromises that made them hard to recommend, like limited storage, key missing features like MagSafe, or outdated hardware.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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HomePod rumors: All we know about HomePod mini 2, HomePod Touch & HomePad hub
Macworld Apple’s HomePod lineup may be on the verge of its biggest shake-up since launch with multiple new products coming from Apple. Among the new products are: A long-awaited HomePod mini 2 update, with updated internals and new colors. This is expected to arrive first. A HomePod Touch, or a HomePod with a built-in display. This would be designed to address long-standing usability issues by offering a touchscreen alternative to Siri. An entirely new category of device: a HomePod-based smart hub, sometimes referred to as the HomePad or HomeHub, combining a speaker, display, and advanced home-control features. Security camera and other accessories are considered to be part of Apple’s smart home roadmap. In this article, we round up all the latest rumors and reports surrounding Apple’s three (or more) upcoming HomePod products, from expected release timelines and hardware upgrades to Apple Intelligence features and potential pricing, covering everything Apple may have planned for the future of its smart speakers and home hubs. HomePod mini 2: Rumors & release date Foundry Rumored release: Early-mid 2026 Possible changes: New red color, major processor upgrade, improved connectivity Apple introduced the original HomePod mini in November 2020, making it long overdue for an update. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman had indicated that a new HomePod mini could arrive toward the end of 2025. In an August 2025 newsletter, referencing Apple code that briefly appeared, and was then withdrawn, he wrote: “The findings corroborate a lot of what I’ve reported, including that fresh Apple TV and HomePod mini models will arrive this fall.” Obviously there was no new HomePod (or Apple TV) in 2025. But there could be soon. Current rumors point to an early 2026 release, with delays attributed to ongoing software development challenges related to Siri and Apple Intelligence. HomePod mini 2 Design New red color option rumored. In September 2025, Gurman reported that Apple had tested a new red color option for the HomePod mini 2. Beyond cosmetic changes, the update is expected to focus primarily on internal improvements. The overall design is likely to remain largely unchanged, but the internal hardware is expected to receive a meaningful refresh. The HomePod mini has not seen a hardware update since its debut, and Apple is reportedly keen to modernize it to support upcoming software features. HomePod mini 2 New Features & Specs The most consistent rumors point to a faster processor, improved connectivity and Apple Intelligence support. As Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman noted in August 2025: “We don’t know what, if anything, will be new with the speaker other than a faster chip, though Apple will likely keep the same design.” The expectation is that the new HomePod mini 2 will get a much faster chip, possibly the S9, S10 or even the S11 – all a big improvement on the current S5 chip. Wi-Fi 6E support is also expected, a notable upgrade from the current HomePod mini’s older Wi-Fi standard. Upgraded Ultra Wideband is also likely, which would improve interactions like Handoff (transferring the playing track between Apple devices). Additional rumored upgrades include: Apple Intelligence Support: The new model is expected to feature a chip capable of supporting Apple Intelligence, which would allow it to benefit from Apple’s upcoming AI-enhanced Siri. However, it’s not guaranteed that there will be support for Apple Intelligence and the upgraded Siri at launch. Improved Connectivity: Possible inclusion of Apple’s in-house N1 networking chip, potential Wi-Fi 6E support, and an upgraded U2 Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip for more seamless Handoff functionality. Audio Enhancements: Some reports indicate the speaker could receive upgraded drivers for better sound quality and potentially official support for spatial audio/Dolby Atmos, a feature currently restricted to the full-sized HomePod. See: Five upgrades the HomePod mini needs. Hardware Refinements: There is also speculation that Apple might introduce a removable power cable, similar to the 2nd-gen HomePod, to improve repairability. HomePod 3 with screen: Rumors & release date of HomePod Touch Foundry and Apple Possible launch: Delayed until fall 2026 Display size: Touchscreen 6 and 7-inches Software: Custom touchscreen operating system running apps like Weather, Calendar, Photos, HomeKit as well as Apple Music The HomePod mini has a larger sibling and even bigger things are rumored for that model. One of the HomePod’s biggest limitations is its reliance on Siri, which still struggles with complex commands. Many users end up controlling the speaker via their iPhone instead, which can be inconvenient and drain battery life. A built-in screen could provide a more direct and reliable way to interact with the device. There has long been speculation Apple is working on a HomePod with a built-in display, which could be called HomePod Touch. This device is expected to feature a 6-7-inch touchscreen that would allow the HomePod to function as a smart hub with apps and visuals in addition a smart speaker. This new HomePod would run homeOS or a similar touch-optimized UI for apps like Weather, Calendar, Photos, Apple Music, and HomeKit. Apple has been working redesigning the HomePod to include a display for some time. Back in March 2023, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed Apple would “unveil a redesigned HomePod featuring a 7-inch panel.” Kuo initially expected this product to arrive in the first half of 2024, but that timeline slipped. In December 2024, he reported further delays had pushined the launch to after WWDC 2025, citing software development challenges. Then, in March 2025, Kuo suggested the device had been delayed again, due to Apple Intelligence setbacks. Current speculation suggests a possible release in the later half of 2026, with the release slipping as the major updates to Siri and Apple’s AI platform have been further delayed. Alternatively, the HomePod Touch may gain AI related features as part of a later software update. HomePod with display incoming?Foundry HomePod Touch Features & Specs As with the HomePod mini 2, the touchscreen HomePod is expected to feature a chip capable of supporting the AI-enhanced Siri, but it will also need to support a custom touchscreen operating system, possibly derived from tvOS. Given the demands of such a touchscreen interface and advanced software, this would likely mean A-series or even M-series silicon, possibly an A17 Pro. Rather than just being a speaker with a screen, it is thought the device will be a central smart home controller with enhanced HomeKit and Matter device control, potentially rivalling Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show devices. Other expected features include: Specs: Apple’s N1 networking chip, Wi-Fi 6E support, and an upgraded U2 Ultra Wideband chip for improved device handoff. Modular design: Some rumors point to a modular design, where a screen-based hub could magnetically dock onto a full-size HomePod speaker. This could allow the device to function as a stationary high-fidelity speaker while also supporting FaceTime calls and smart home management. Display: The display is widely rumored to measure around 7-inches, putting it in direct competition with smart displays from Amazon and Google. Amazon Echo Show beside the HomePod mini, Ben Patterson/Foundry HomePod Touch Design Unlike current HomePods, which rely on a small LED surface for controls and animations, this model is expected to feature a 7-inch full display capable of showing useful information and acting as a touchscreen control interface. Some time ago Swiss website Handy Abovergleich and designer Eric Huismann created a series of concept illustrations of how this new generation of HomePod could look. Here’s how they imagine the HomePod Show—a speaker with a camera and a small touchscreen—could look. Foundry However, this updated HomePod could offer a lot more than a screen to tap when you want to choose a playlist or skip a track. There are rumors that suggest putting a screen on HomePod could transform it into a new device entirely. HomePad smart hub: Rumors & release date for smart display with robot arm Possible launch: Late 2026 Strategy: Brand new category of products HomePad release date Apple’s first-ever smart home display had been rumored to launch in the spring of 2026, but it’s been delayed due to issues with Siri, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. He claims the hardware has been ready for some time, according to anonymous sources with knowledge of the matter. Another leaker, known as Kosutami, who has made accurate predictions in the past, posted on X on March 5 to predict: “Autumn. Home. Integrated with Pad. Now coming.” That somewhat cryptic post doesn’t necessarily refer to the HomePad, but it seems likely. What is the HomePad? Apple has reportedly been exploring a broader smart home strategy for years, and the HomePad could be its most ambitious step yet. As far back as April 2021, Mark Gurman described a high-end device combining a HomePod speaker, a touchscreen, and a camera mounted on a robotic arm that could follow the user around the room during video calls. Gurman has made various references to this over the years. Reports suggest Apple may be planning multiple smart home hub products, potentially split into two tiers: Low-end smart display (J490): A stationary device with an approximately 7-inch screen, designed for wall mounting or docking. It would focus on HomeKit control and FaceTime calls. High-end robotic hub (J595): A more advanced version featuring a display mounted on a robotic arm. This “Luxo Jr.-like” device could function as a videoconferencing system and home security tool, though it may not arrive until late 2026 or even 2027. A revamped, AI-powered Siri is expected to be central to the experience – and its ongoing development is widely believed to be the main reason these products have yet to launch. Imagen 3 (Gemini) HomePad Smart Hub Design, Features & Specs Speculation regarding the HomePad’s internal specifications and software capabilities includes: Processing Power: Internal code suggests the device, codenamed J490, may be powered by the A18 chip, which is capable of supporting advanced Apple Intelligence features. Operating System: The hub will likely run a version of TVos that incorporates iOS-like features. For instance, the inclusion of the “ChatKit” framework in recent software betas suggests the HomePad may support iMessage and texting, features not currently available on Apple TV or standard HomePods. Kitchen Integration: A new “CookingKit” framework and expanded food sections in Apple News indicate that kitchen assistance, such as searching for recipes by ingredient, could be a primary selling point. Entertainment: Beyond home control, the device is expected to function as an entertainment hub for streaming music and video, as well as making FaceTime calls via a built-in camera. Advanced Home Control: Code found in the iOS 26 Home app describes an “Adaptive Temperature” feature, which could allow the HomePad to offer more granular control over smart thermostats, including energy-saving optimizations based on local electricity rates. Camera: There are suggestions that the device could combines a HomePod with a camera, or place a camera on a robot arm. This camera could also be used to recognize gestures. Some years ago a patent was filed that related to a future HomePod that could interpret 3D hand gestures. That patent describes a HomePod that can “interpret three-dimensional hand gestures as a means of controlling the device so as to execute an action or function.” New HomePod Prices The current prices for the HomePods are as follows: HomePod: $299/£299 HomePod mini: $99/£99 We don’t expect prices to change for the existing configurations. The HomePod mini is likely to remain at the sub-$100 price point. However, a HomePod with a built-in screen could command a higher price. It may launch as a separate product altogether, potentially starting around $399 / £399, or higher, depending on features. What is on Apple’s Smart Home Roadmap Apple’s smart-home roadmap is expected to accelerate in 2026 and beyond, as the company expands its Home ecosystem with new hardware, AI features and services designed to compete with Amazon and Google. Ongoing: Apple continues to lean on the Matter standard to increase device compatibility. Updates like Matter 1.5 have added support for security cameras and energy management, which Apple is expected to integrate into the Home app. February 2026: On February 10, 2026, Apple ended support for its legacy HomeKit architecture. This transition removed the ability to use an iPad as a home hub, restricting that role to the Apple TV 4K or HomePod. Spring – mid 2026: Launch of new HomePod mini. Later in 2026: Apple intends to overhaul Siri. A completely redesigned, LLM-based Siri is expected to debut in early 2026 to power the new smart hubs. Previous delays in the smart home roadmap were largely attributed to Siri’s development “snags” September 2026: iOS 27 (expected September 2026) may include AI vision recognition, allowing cameras to recognize specific users and their actions to trigger automations while maintaining privacy. Fall 2026: Launch of Apple’s HomePad device. Other Smart Home products coming from Apple Apple Security Camera: Reports indicate Apple plans to enter the security camera market with its own hardware. Code discovered in iOS 26.2 includes a new “isFirstPartyAccessory” flag, suggesting support for Apple-branded cameras and doorbells that integrate deeply with the ecosystem.

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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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