Putting a phone processor in a laptop sounds like a shortcut that ends badly. The MacBook Neo suggests otherwise. Apple’s $700 machine runs on a chip borrowed from the iPhone, and for everyday work it holds up better than most people would expect, as first reported by Engadget.
The catch is that “good enough” has edges. Memory, ports and long-term software support all show where Apple saved money, and those limits matter if you’re deciding whether to buy now or hold out.
Key Takeaways
- The MacBook Neo uses an A18 Pro chip from the iPhone, offering decent performance for everyday tasks at a $700 price point.
- However, it has limitations like only 8GB of RAM, fewer ports, and potential compatibility issues with demanding software.
- For users needing better performance, the MacBook Air is a superior option with an M5 chip and 16GB of RAM, though it costs significantly more.
- A second-generation MacBook Neo, expected in 2027, may address some current model limitations, including more RAM.
- If you can’t wait, the current MacBook Neo is reasonable for basic tasks, but consider waiting for the next version for better longevity.
Table of contents
Why the MacBook Neo costs what it does
Timing helps explain the pricing. Tariffs and rising memory costs were already pushing hardware prices upward when the MacBook Neo arrived in March 2026. About three months later, the MacBook Air jumped by $200 to a new starting price of $1,300.
That makes the Neo’s $700 tag look even sharper in hindsight. Apple has effectively created a new entry point below an Air that moved out of reach for many budget buyers.
The biggest cost-cutting move is the processor. Instead of an M-series chip, the laptop uses an A18 Pro, originally built for the 2024 iPhone 16 Pro. Apple trimmed it slightly: the CPU keeps six cores, but the GPU drops from six cores to five. That’s a modest graphics step down, especially given the Neo’s 13-inch display.
Where the iPhone chip holds up
In Engadget’s testing, the laptop juggled several web browsers, a TV show, photo editing in Pixelmator Pro and the game Oceanhorn 3 without much trouble. That’s a realistic picture of how plenty of people use a laptop: lots of tabs, some media, a bit of creative work and the occasional game.
It also says something about iPhone silicon. Phone chips have been powerful enough for years that a desktop operating system doesn’t overwhelm them in ordinary use. The MacBook Neo mostly benefits from that surplus.
Basic 4K video editing works too. For a student, a home user or a second computer, the A18 Pro inside the MacBook Neo is unlikely to feel like a bottleneck day to day.
Limits you’ll hit with the MacBook Neo
Push harder and the trade-offs show. The Neo ships with 8GB of RAM, and that’s the main constraint. Video editing with special visual effects slows to a crawl, according to the review testing.
Software compatibility is another factor. Many apps list an M1 chip or better as a minimum requirement, and that includes games such as Assassin’s Creed Shadows. A minimum spec only tells you an app will launch, not that it will run smoothly.
Connectivity is thin as well. Here’s what you get:
- One USB 3 port running at 10Gbps
- One USB 2 port running at 480Mbps
- A 3.5mm headphone jack
You can drive a 4K, 60Hz monitor over DisplayPort through the USB 3 connection. But there’s no daisy-chaining and no Thunderbolt accessory support. If you rely on docks, fast external storage or multiple displays, this isn’t the machine for you.
How the MacBook Air compares
The current MacBook Air is the obvious step up, and it’s a big one. It has an M5 chip and at least 16GB of RAM, which Engadget describes as the realistic baseline for good laptops today. Its ports run at 40Gbps USB 4 with Thunderbolt 4, and it adds a dedicated MagSafe power connection.
The gap is $600 at the current starting prices. For someone who needs smooth performance with heavier apps, that may be money well spent. For someone who mostly browses, writes and streams, the MacBook Neo covers the basics, and the Air is a lot to pay for headroom they won’t touch.
Should you wait for a second-generation MacBook Neo?
Engadget’s answer is almost certainly yes. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that a 2027 refresh will move to the A19 Pro, the chip in the iPhone 17 Pro, and bump memory to 12GB. That’s still short of the Air’s 16GB, but four extra gigabytes could ease some of the cases where the current model struggles.
Memory deserves extra weight in this decision because you can’t upgrade it after purchase. Whatever you buy is what you’ll live with for the life of the laptop.
Software direction adds pressure. Apple is pushing ahead with AI features in macOS 27, and some of them already call for an M3 chip and 12GB of RAM. Even a refreshed Neo will only get part of what Apple has planned, so it won’t suit something like heavy AutoCAD work. It should still age a little better than the first model.
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What to do if you can’t wait
If you need a Mac now, the original is a reasonable pick. It launched only in March 2026, so apps that run well today are unlikely to lose support soon. Engadget suggests looking at refurbished units to trim the price a bit further.
The takeaway is simple. The MacBook Neo shows that a phone chip can carry a Mac through ordinary work, and it does so at a price the Air no longer matches. Buy it if your needs are modest and your timeline is short. If you can hold off until 2027, the next MacBook Neo looks like the safer long-term bet.
Source: Engadget – Technology News & Expert Reviews
