The Cupertino-based giant has made the most radical move in its history by presenting the MacBook Neo. The device debuted at a price of $599, which translates to a starting price of 2999 PLN in Poland. The new model, available in a bold color palette, aims to attract students and home users who have previously chosen cheaper Windows alternatives. Experts describe the launch as an attack on a segment previously dominated by budget-class devices.

Record-low entry price

The MacBook Neo costs $599 (from 2999 PLN in Poland), making it the cheapest new laptop in Apple's history.

Specification compromises

The device has a dimmer screen and fewer ports than more expensive models, while maintaining silent cooling.

Attack on the educational segment

The product is positioned as an ideal tool for pupils and students, aiming to displace Windows laptops.

The debut of the MacBook Neo marks a strategic shift by Apple towards the mass market, ending the era of the brand's laptops being price-inaccessible. The device was designed as direct competition for Windows laptops and Chromebooks, offering the full ecosystem of macOS at a price previously reserved for lower-tier products. The name "Neo" is meant to symbolize a new beginning and freshness, emphasized by a design that nods to the colorful aesthetic of the old iMac G3 computers. Although the price of $599 (2999 PLN in Poland) is revolutionary, the manufacturer had to make significant hardware compromises. Compared to the more expensive MacBook Air model, the Neo version has a screen with lower brightness and a limited number of expansion ports. However, passive cooling is utilized, making the computer operate completely silently, while the build quality of the casing remains at the high level typical of the brand. Analysts indicate that Apple intends to recoup the lower hardware margin by expanding its user base for digital services and subscriptions. Simultaneously, refreshed iPad Air models with M4 processors have appeared in the lineup, which, together with the new laptop, creates a cohesive offering for education, where students can expect additional benefits upon purchase, though the base price remains unchanged. In 2008, Steve Jobs unveiled the first MacBook Air by pulling it out of a thin manila envelope, forever changing the portable computer market, yet for nearly two decades, the company avoided the budget segment.„We wanted something that felt fun and friendly, and fresh, and felt like it really suited the spirit of this product” — Apple RepresentativeParallel to the laptop launch, industry media published first impressions of using the iPhone 17e model and tests of the most powerful MacBook Pro in history with the M5 Max chip. Such a broad spread of the offering—from the budget Neo to professional workstations—shows the company's new dynamism. Despite enthusiasm from some reviewers, Wired points out that in the $500-600 price range, competition from companies like Dell or HP still offers devices with better purely technical specifications, e.g., with more ports. Nevertheless, for many consumers, the brand's magic and the stability of the operating system may prove to be decisive arguments that shift the balance of power in the consumer laptop market in 2026.

Mentioned People

  • Steve Jobs — Co-founder of Apple, referenced in the context of the company's historical aversion to cheap laptops.