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ToggleApple MacBook Neo Launched at ₹69,900: A18 Pro Chip, 4 Colours, 16-Hour Battery
Cupertino/New Delhi — Apple has officially unveiled the MacBook Neo, its most affordable laptop yet, marking a major shift in the company’s strategy to attract budget-conscious buyers and first-time Mac users who previously found the ecosystem out of reach. The new device aims to bring the macOS experience to a wider audience by offering Apple’s signature design and ecosystem at a significantly lower price than previous MacBooks.
The laptop starts at ₹69,900 in India for the base model with 256GB storage, while a higher variant with 512GB storage costs ₹79,900. Pre-orders have already begun through Apple’s official website and authorised retailers, and the device will become available for purchase starting March 11.
With this pricing, the MacBook Neo becomes the cheapest Mac laptop the company has ever launched, undercutting earlier entry-level models like the MacBook Air and opening up new market segments.
Designed for Affordability and Everyday Use
The MacBook Neo features a lightweight aluminium design similar to other Apple laptops but with a more colourful approach that appeals to younger users. It comes in four colour options—silver, blush, citrus and indigo—giving users more personalisation choices than most previous Mac models, which have traditionally offered more muted tones.
The laptop weighs around 2.7 pounds, making it easy to carry for students and professionals who need a portable device for daily tasks. Apple has positioned the MacBook Neo as an entry-level laptop suitable for everyday computing activities such as browsing the internet, attending online classes, creating documents, streaming videos and editing photos.
The device includes a 13-inch Liquid Retina display capable of producing sharp visuals with high brightness and support for one billion colours, ensuring a premium viewing experience despite the lower price point.
Powered by an iPhone-Grade Processor
One of the biggest differences between the MacBook Neo and other Macs is its processor. Instead of the M-series chips typically used in Apple computers, the laptop runs on the A18 Pro chip, which previously powered the iPhone 16 Pro lineup. Apple says this chip delivers fast performance for everyday tasks and efficient energy use.
The company claims the processor can be up to 50 percent faster than many mainstream PCs for everyday work and up to three times faster for certain artificial intelligence tasks. The chip also includes a built-in neural engine that enables AI features within macOS applications, helping users with tasks such as summarising notes or enhancing photos.
This silicon choice allows Apple to offer Mac performance at a fraction of the usual cost.
Battery Life and Key Features
Another highlight of the MacBook Neo is its battery performance. Apple says the laptop can deliver up to 16 hours of battery life on a single charge, making it suitable for students, remote workers and travellers who need all-day usage without frequently plugging in.
The laptop also includes several familiar Apple features such as the Magic Keyboard, a large multi-touch trackpad and a 1080p FaceTime HD camera for video calls. Audio capabilities include dual microphones and side-firing speakers that support spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, designed to improve video conferencing and media playback.
For connectivity, the MacBook Neo offers two USB-C ports, Wi-Fi 6E support, Bluetooth connectivity and a headphone jack. Some higher-end features found in premium MacBooks—such as advanced ports and certain hardware upgrades—have been omitted to keep costs lower.
Targeting Students and New Mac Users
With the MacBook Neo, Apple appears to be targeting students, young professionals and first-time buyers who previously found Mac laptops too expensive. Analysts say the device could compete directly with high-end Windows laptops and even Chromebooks in the education market.
By launching a MacBook under ₹70,000, Apple is attempting to expand its presence in emerging markets like India, where price sensitivity has traditionally limited Mac adoption. The company is also offering additional education discounts, further reducing the entry price for students and teachers.
Conclusion
Overall, the MacBook Neo represents a significant shift in Apple’s laptop lineup. By combining a lower price with the company’s design, software ecosystem and efficient silicon, Apple hopes to make Mac computing accessible to millions of new users worldwide.
MacBook Neo: Apple’s most affordable laptop ever. A18 Pro power, 16-hour battery, and four colours—starting at ₹69,900.
