Apple’s newest entry-level laptop is officially reaching customers. The MacBook Neo, which Apple unveiled on March 4, has begun shipping to early preorder buyers, and the laptop is now available to purchase at Walmart starting at $599. With its colorful design, AI-ready chip, and long battery life, the MacBook Neo is positioned as a more affordable way to enter the Mac ecosystem.
Apple designed the laptop for everyday users, students, and casual creators who want a modern Mac without stepping into premium price territory. From the new A18 Pro chip to a bright Liquid Retina display, the MacBook Neo balances performance and portability at a lower starting price.
A Colorful New Take on the MacBook
One of the first things that stands out about the MacBook Neo is its design. Apple calls it the most colorful MacBook lineup yet, offering four finishes: Silver, Blush, Citrus, and Indigo.
Each color comes with a matching keyboard, giving the laptop a more expressive look than previous MacBook models. Despite the playful color options, the laptop still features Apple’s familiar, durable aluminum design, keeping the device lightweight while maintaining the premium feel Macs are known for.
A18 Pro Power for Everyday Work
At the heart of the MacBook Neo is Apple’s A18 Pro chip, which delivers the performance needed for common computing tasks. Whether you’re editing photos, managing spreadsheets, streaming media, or playing Apple Arcade games, the chip is designed to keep the experience smooth.
The processor also enables Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI-powered system designed to help with writing, organization, and productivity tasks. Because these features run on Apple silicon, many AI activities can be processed directly on the device while maintaining strong privacy protections.
A Bright Display and All-Day Battery
The MacBook Neo features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2408 by 1506. With 500 nits of brightness and support for one billion colors, the screen aims to deliver vivid visuals and sharp text.
Battery life is another major focus. Apple says the Neo can deliver up to 16 hours of battery life, making it capable of lasting through a full day of classes, meetings, or travel without needing to recharge.
Cameras, Audio, and Ecosystem Features
For video calls and meetings, the laptop includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera along with a dual-microphone array designed to improve voice clarity. Two side-firing speakers with Spatial Audio help provide more immersive sound when watching movies or listening to music.
Like other Macs, the Neo integrates closely with Apple’s broader ecosystem. You also get features such as iPhone Mirroring, which lets you view and control your iPhone directly on your Mac.
The Potential Dealbreakers and Availability
The MacBook Neo features just 8GB of RAM and starts at 256GB of storage, with an option to upgrade to 512GB. Only the 512GB model has Touch ID, plus the 500 nits of brightness don’t hold well outdoors. Additionally, this laptop has no keyboard backlight, which might be a deal-breaker if you’re a night owl.
With preorders now arriving and broader availability expanding to retailers like Walmart, the MacBook Neo is now available starting at $599. If you’re looking for a lightweight Mac with modern features and a lower price point, Apple’s newest laptop could be your most accessible option.