Apple’s budget-focused MacBook Neo may soon get a refresh with new color options, but buyers could also end up paying more for the entry-level laptop. Multiple new reports claim Apple is weighing pricing changes after demand for the MacBook Neo significantly exceeded expectations.
The MacBook Neo launched earlier this year starting at $599, making it the cheapest MacBook Apple has ever sold. Powered by the same A18 Pro chip used in the iPhone 16 Pro lineup, the notebook quickly became a hit among students, casual users, and first-time Mac buyers looking for a lower-cost alternative to Windows laptops and Chromebooks.
According to reports from analyst Tim Culpan and semiconductor research platform Culpium, Apple has now doubled its planned MacBook Neo production target from around 5 to 6 million units to 10 million units for 2026. Shipping estimates for several configurations reportedly remain delayed by two to three weeks as suppliers work to keep up with demand.
One major reason behind the possible price increase is the growing cost of components. Apple initially kept MacBook Neo pricing low by using “binned” A18 Pro chips from the iPhone 16 Pro production process. These chips had one GPU core disabled, allowing Apple to repurpose inventory that may otherwise have gone unused.
However, those leftover chips are reportedly running out. Apple now needs fresh A18 Pro production from TSMC, and that comes at a much higher cost. Demand for advanced 3nm chip manufacturing has surged because of AI hardware production, leaving limited capacity available. Reports claim Apple may also need to pay a premium to secure faster manufacturing slots.
At the same time, DRAM and NAND flash prices have continued rising across the industry. Memory costs have increased sharply over the past year due to AI data center demand, affecting laptop manufacturers across the board. This has already pushed up prices for many Windows laptops, especially in the mid-range and budget segments.
Rather than directly increasing the starting price of the MacBook Neo, Apple could reportedly remove the 256GB base configuration from the lineup. That would effectively push buyers toward the more expensive 512GB version with Touch ID, helping Apple maintain stronger profit margins while avoiding a headline price jump.
To make the transition easier for customers, Apple is also said to be exploring new color finishes for the MacBook Neo lineup. The laptop is currently available in Citrus, Blush, Indigo, and Silver, but Apple has reportedly not finalized which additional colors could arrive in a future refresh.
The strong sales performance of the MacBook Neo highlights how much demand exists for a lower-cost MacBook. While some enthusiasts criticized the laptop’s lower-end specifications compared to MacBook Air models, the device appears to be resonating with mainstream users who prioritize battery life, portability, and access to the Apple ecosystem over benchmark performance.
