Why the MacBook Neo 2 Could Launch Earlier Than Expected

Craig McCamley
2026-04-15T13:59:02+01:00

A recent report indicates that demand for the MacBook Neo has been so strong that Apple may already be facing a shortage of the chips used to build it.

It’s only been about a month since Apple unveiled the MacBook Neo—its cheapest laptop to date—and it’s already proving to be a major success. With a starting price of $599 in the U.S., and even lower for students, the device has been flying off shelves. Many configurations are difficult to find in Apple Stores, and certain colors come with long delivery wait times.

However, according to Bloomberg, this popularity may be creating a new challenge for Apple. The company could run out of the chips used in the MacBook Neo sooner than planned. If that happens, Apple might need to release the next version—the MacBook Neo 2—earlier than originally scheduled.

What makes the MacBook Neo so inexpensive?

The MacBook Neo marks a significant shift in Apple’s pricing strategy. Students can purchase one for as little as $499, which is dramatically lower than previous models. Before this, the most affordable option was the M4 MacBook Air at $899 for students. Clearly, Apple is now targeting the entry-level laptop market more aggressively.

To hit this lower price point, Apple made a few compromises. The Neo doesn’t include features like a backlit keyboard or a Force Touch trackpad. While it does have a Retina display, it skips more advanced display technologies such as Mini-LED and wide color support. These omissions help reduce manufacturing costs.

Another major factor is the processor. Instead of using a traditional M-series chip, Apple chose a modified version of the A18 Pro chip—the same one previously used in the iPhone 16 Pro, but with a slightly reduced GPU. This approach allowed Apple to cut costs significantly.

Since the A18 Pro was already produced in large quantities for earlier iPhones, Apple could repurpose existing stock rather than manufacturing new chips. This reuse strategy helped keep the MacBook Neo’s price low.

When high demand creates new problems

Initially, Apple planned to produce around 5–6 million units of the first-generation MacBook Neo before introducing a successor next year. But demand has exceeded expectations, raising concerns about whether current chip supplies will last that long.

The A18 Pro chip is no longer in production, and restarting its manufacturing would be expensive. The fabrication process used to make it is still in high demand and largely booked, making it difficult for Apple to resume production efficiently.

Some possible solutions—like increasing prices or removing lower-cost configurations—seem unlikely, as Apple has heavily marketed the Neo’s affordability. Changing that strategy could hurt its momentum.

A new model may be the best answer

Apple is reportedly planning a next-generation MacBook Neo powered by the newer A19 Pro chip, expected to arrive sometime next year. This chip, also used in newer iPhones, would likely be more readily available as production ramps up.

If current demand continues, Apple could accelerate the launch timeline for the MacBook Neo 2. Producing more A19 Pro chips—shared across devices—may be more practical than restarting A18 Pro production.

Rather than waiting until early 2027, Apple might introduce the new model sooner, possibly by late 2026 or early 2027.

The early success of the MacBook Neo highlights how well Apple’s strategy is working. According to Tim Cook, it delivered the strongest launch week ever among first-time Mac buyers. If a refreshed model arrives ahead of schedule, that momentum could grow even further.