Apple MacBook Neo Review: The iPhone-Chip-Powered Laptop That Changes the Game at $599

Apple's Cheapest Laptop Runs on an iPhone Chip and Embarrasses the Windows Competition\n\nApple has launched the MacBook Neo, a laptop powered by the A18 Pro chip — the same silicon used in the iPhone 16 Pro. The device is being called the "M1 Air all over again" for its potential to reshape the budget laptop market.\n\n### The Hardware\n\nAt , the Neo replaces the M1 MacBook Air as Apple's cheapest laptop. The Verge gave it a 9/10 score, noting that it "simultaneously embarrasses an entire class of affordable (and even far pricier) Windows laptops, as well as just about any Chromebook."\n\nComponent Report Card:\n\n| Component | Grade |\n|-----------|-------|\n| Screen | B |\n| Webcam | B |\n| Keyboard | C |\n| Trackpad | A |\n| Port Selection | D |\n| Speakers | B |\n\n### Strengths\n\n- Exceptional value: Performance per dollar at is unmatched\n- Mechanical trackpad: Clicks consistently corner-to-corner, outclassing Windows competitors\n- Battery life: All-day on a single charge\n- Speakers: Full-sounding dual side-firing speakers better than most Windows laptops\n- Perfect for students: Designed to capture the education market\n\n### Trade-offs\n\n- 8GB RAM and slower storage\n- No keyboard backlighting\n- Only 20W charging with included adapter\n- Limited port selection (dongle life)\n- Color vibrancy could be better\n\n### Why It Matters\n\nThe Neo represents Apple's strategy of leveraging its iPhone chip manufacturing scale to create affordable laptops. By using a repurposed iPhone chip, Apple can hit a price point that was previously impossible, while still delivering performance that exceeds much more expensive Windows machines.\n\n### Modders Are Improving It Already\n\nYouTube's ETA Prime demonstrated that a simple heatsink mod using copper strips and thermal paste can reduce thermal throttling and improve gaming performance by up to 18% — making the Neo even more capable than out of the box.\n\nSource: The Verge, Tom's Hardware