Apple Working on New MacBook Neo With Two Upgrades - MacRumors

What the report says

MacRumors reports that Apple is developing a second-generation MacBook Neo with two main hardware changes: a newer A19 Pro chip and more memory. The article, citing Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, says the updated model is expected to move from the current A18 Pro with 8GB of RAM to an A19 Pro configuration with 12GB of RAM. MacRumors also says the machine is among 11 new Mac models Apple has in its product pipeline.

The report did not give a firm launch date, but MacRumors says a release in the first half of next year appears plausible based on timing. The current MacBook Neo debuted in March, and the next version may also bring additional color choices. Current finishes listed by the publication include Silver, Blush, Citrus and Indigo.

Pricing is a key part of the context. MacRumors notes that the MacBook Neo launched in the U.S. at $599 for general consumers before Apple increased the starting price to $699 last month. The publication says some buyers can still reach the $599 price through Apple’s education store, if eligible, or through certified refurbished options.

The update matters because the Neo is positioned as Apple’s lowest-cost MacBook, even after the price increase. MacRumors contrasts its $699 starting price with the MacBook Air’s reported $1,299 entry price. The publication also notes Apple has previously described the MacBook Neo as being in strong demand, while the effect of the recent price rise remains uncertain. Apple’s next quarterly earnings report is scheduled for July 30.