Apple has introduced the MacBook Neo, a brand-new laptop designed to make the Mac experience more accessible to a wider audience.
With a starting price of RM2,499 the MacBook Neo is positioned as Apple’s most affordable MacBook to date, combining the company’s signature design with powerful Apple silicon performance and all-day battery life.
Despite its lower price point, Apple has retained a sleek and minimalist design, with soft rounded edges and a lightweight body that makes it easy to carry in a backpack or handbag.
Weighing approximately 2.7 pounds, the laptop is built for portability and everyday mobility. Apple has also introduced a colourful design approach for the MacBook Neo, offering the device in four colour options: blush, indigo, silver, and citrus.
13-Inch Liquid Retina Display
One of the standout features of the MacBook Neo is its 13-inch Liquid Retina display, which delivers sharp visuals and vibrant colours for everyday tasks.
The display features a 2408-by-1506 resolution, 500 nits of brightness, and support for 1 billion colours.
Apple says the display is brighter and offers higher resolution than many laptops in the same price range.
An anti-reflective coating also helps improve visibility in different lighting conditions, especially for indoors, outdoors, or in brightly lit environments.
Powered by Apple’s A18 Pro Chip
The chip allows the device to handle everyday computing tasks smoothly, including web browsing, streaming, document editing and photo editing. It also supports AI-powered features across apps thanks to its built-in 16-core Neural Engine.
According to Apple’s testing, the MacBook Neo is up to 50% faster for everyday tasks compared with bestselling PCs powered by Intel Core Ultra 5 processors.
The laptop can also be up to three times faster for on-device AI workloads, such as applying advanced photo effects or using intelligent editing tools.
The device includes a 5-core GPU that delivers improved graphics performance for creative applications and light gaming.
All-Day Battery Life
The laptop can deliver up to 16 hours of battery life on a single charge. This extended battery life means users can browse the internet throughout the day without needing to recharge frequently.
Apple positions the MacBook Neo as a reliable companion for students attending classes, professionals working remotely, or travellers who need a lightweight laptop with long-lasting power.
Improved Camera, Audio, and Input Experience
Apple has equipped the MacBook Neo with a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, providing clearer and more vibrant video calls compared with older MacBook models.
The camera is supported by dual microphones with directional beamforming, which helps reduce background noise and isolate the user’s voice for clearer communication during meetings or online classes.
The laptop also features dual side-firing speakers with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support.
For typing and navigation, the MacBook Neo includes Apple’s Magic Keyboard, which is known for its comfortable and precise typing experience. A large Multi-Touch trackpad supports intuitive gestures such as scrolling, swiping, and pinch-to-zoom.
Modern Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the MacBook Neo includes two USB-C ports, which can be used to connect accessories, charge the laptop, or connect an external display. The device also includes a headphone jack for wired audio.
For wireless connectivity, Apple has added Wi-Fi 6E, which offers faster and more stable internet connections, along with Bluetooth 6 for improved wireless accessory performance.
These connectivity options ensure the MacBook Neo can support a wide range of devices, from headphones and keyboards to external monitors.
Pricing and Availability
The MacBook Neo starts at RM2,499 in Malaysia, while eligible education customers can purchase the device for RM2,099.
The laptop will be available through Apple’s online store, the Apple Store app, Apple retail locations, and authorised resellers.
Shahriena Shukri is a journalist covering business and economic news in Malaysia, providing insights on market trends, corporate developments, and financial policies. More about Shahriena Shukri.
