For years, owning a MacBook meant spending close to ₹1 lakh. But that perception may finally change. Apple has introduced its newest laptop, the MacBook Neo, starting at ₹69,900 in India. Surprisingly, the price is even lower than some premium Apple devices, including the iPhone 17 and only slightly higher than the iPhone 17e.
With this launch, Apple appears to be targeting students, first-time Mac users, and professionals looking for a reliable yet affordable laptop. Here are five key reasons why the MacBook Neo could be worth considering.
1. Lower price than many Apple devices
The biggest highlight of the MacBook Neo is its pricing. Starting at ₹69,900—and as low as ₹59,990 with an education discount—it is among the most affordable MacBooks Apple has ever introduced.
Interestingly, the laptop costs less than the iPad Air (M4) and only slightly more than Apple’s budget iPhone models. For users who previously found MacBooks out of reach, this device offers a relatively affordable entry point while still delivering Apple’s signature aluminium design, Apple Silicon performance, and the familiar macOS experience.
2. Solid performance with A18 Pro chip
Unlike most MacBooks that run on Apple’s M-series processors, the MacBook Neo is powered by the Apple A18 Pro chip—the same processor used in the iPhone 16 Pro.
According to Apple, the chip delivers impressive speed for everyday computing tasks. The company claims the MacBook Neo is up to 50% faster for activities like web browsing compared to popular Windows laptops running Intel Core Ultra 5 processors.
The chip also includes a 16-core Neural Engine that powers Apple Intelligence features and AI tools. Whether you’re summarising notes, editing photos, or switching between apps such as Safari, Excel, Canva and Messages, the MacBook Neo is designed to handle daily productivity smoothly.
Another advantage is its fanless design, meaning the laptop runs silently while performing regular tasks.
3. Bright and vibrant Liquid Retina display
Display quality remains one of Apple’s biggest strengths, and the MacBook Neo continues that tradition.
The laptop features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2408 × 1506 and brightness up to 500 nits. It also supports one billion colours, ensuring sharp text and vibrant visuals.
For students attending online classes, professionals working on documents, or creators editing photos and videos, the display offers clarity that rivals many laptops in the same price segment.
4. Apple’s reliability and after-sales support
One of the strongest reasons people choose Apple products is reliability. The company has built a reputation for durable devices and responsive after-sales support.
Users often highlight Apple’s efficient service system, which can include quick repairs or replacements when needed. For budget-conscious buyers who want a laptop that lasts several years, this reliability becomes a major factor when choosing a device.
5. Affordable entry into the Apple ecosystem
The MacBook Neo also serves as an easy gateway into Apple’s connected ecosystem.
For users who already own an iPhone—or plan to buy other Apple products—the laptop unlocks several seamless integration features. Tools like Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and iPhone Mirroring allow devices to work together smoothly.
For example, you can start writing an email on your MacBook and finish it on your iPhone, copy text from one device and paste it on another, or access your phone directly from the laptop.
The MacBook Neo runs macOS Tahoe, which includes built-in apps like Safari, Messages, Photos, and FaceTime along with Apple Intelligence features designed to simplify everyday tasks.
