Apple Introduces MacBook Neo at $599

Apple on March 4 introduced the MacBook Neo, its first entry into the budget laptop market at a starting price of $599, positioning the device as an affordable option for students and everyday users. The 13-inch notebook, powered by the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro, features two USB-C ports and supports a single external display, but with notable limitations that reflect its cost-saving design.

The MacBook Neo includes two USB-C ports that handle charging and data transfer, yet they differ in capabilities. The rear port operates at USB 3 speeds up to 10 gigabits per second and supports DisplayPort output for connecting external monitors. In contrast, the forward port, located closer to the trackpad, is limited to USB 2 speeds of 480 megabits per second and does not support external displays. Apple officials described including a second port as a significant engineering accomplishment given the A18 Pro processor's constraints, which lacks a Thunderbolt controller found in higher-end Mac models.

Neither port bears physical labels, which could lead to user confusion when connecting peripherals. To address this, macOS displays an on-screen notification if an external display...