Apple Launches $599 MacBook Neo With A18 Pro Chip, Promises All-Day Battery Life

Apple is clearly hoping to disrupt the affordable laptop market with the launch of the MacBook Neo, its most affordable MacBook ever with a starting price of $599. The caveat is that it's powered by a smartphone chip, and specifically the A18 Pro found in the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. However, combined with the other features, it may be enough to attract budget buyers away from entry-level Windows laptops and Chromebooks.

The other thing working in Apple's favor is that modern mobile silicon is light years ahead of where smartphone chips used to be. And for the record, Apple is making some big claims in regards to performance comparisons with Intel.

"MacBook Neo with A18 Pro is up to 50% faster for everyday tasks than the bestselling PC with the latest shipping Intel Core Ultra 5.And for more demanding activities, it’s up ...