How effective is Apple’s budget laptop MacBook Neo at ₹69,900?

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Apple’s affordable MacBook Neo: A new option for students and budget users

Apple has recently introduced MacBook Neo, which is the company’s most affordable laptop. Its starting price in India is ₹ 69,900. The move is an effort to strengthen Apple in markets where Windows laptops and Chromebooks have dominated.

Target students and budget users

MacBook Neo is specifically designed for users who are looking for a premium Apple experience but are hesitant in purchasing it due to budget. This laptop aims to provide a competitive alternative to Windows and Chromebooks in classroom and home use.

Design and display

Neo is offered in attractive colors such as Indigo, Citrus, Blush and Classic Silver. It has a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2408×1506 pixels and brightness of 500 nits. However, the option of ProMotion high-refresh rate is not provided in it.

New A18 Pro Chip

MacBook Neo has been equipped with the A18 Pro chip first seen in the iPhone 16 Pro. It includes a 6-core CPU (2 performance and 4 efficiency) and 5-core GPU. The base model has 8GB RAM and 256GB storage available, which can be expanded up to 512GB. Its battery is 36.5Wh, which provides video streaming backup of up to 16 hours.

Features and cuts

To achieve the low price, Apple has added some features:

• Non-backlit keyboard
• Only two USB-C ports (USB 3 and USB 2)
• Lack of MagSafe charging port
• HD camera and dual speaker setup
• Touch ID is only available in high-end variants

Price and availability

MacBook Neo price in India starts at ₹69,900 (256GB) and can go up to ₹79,900 (512GB). Pre-orders have started today on Apple’s website, and its sales will start from March 11, 2026.