"Whether you're talking about the iBook, MacBook, or MacBook Air, Apple's most basic laptops have started at or within $100 of the $1,000 price point for over 20 years. But as far as what Apple would actively advertise and offer on its own site and in its own retail stores, we've never seen anything for substantially below $1,000."
"The Neo starts at $599 for a version with 256GB of storage and no Touch ID sensor, and $699 for a version with Touch ID and 512GB of storage. It's priced low enough to appeal to people who might not have considered a Mac before, and to make some of its borderline specs feel reasonable."
"What I can tell you is that this does feel like an Apple laptop despite the lower starting price. It definitely has some spec sheet shortcomings, even compared to older M3 or M4 MacBook Airs that you still might be able to get at a discount from third-party retailers or Apple's refurbished site."
Apple introduced the MacBook Neo, its first entry-level Mac laptop priced substantially below $1,000, starting at $599 for a base model and $699 with Touch ID and expanded storage. This marks a significant departure from Apple's historical pricing strategy for basic laptops, which have consistently hovered around the $1,000 mark for over two decades. While the Neo features some spec sheet compromises compared to older M3 or M4 MacBook Air models, Apple has successfully maintained a premium aesthetic and feel. The device targets two key audiences: consumers who previously couldn't justify Mac purchases and those seeking reasonable value despite borderline specifications. The Neo shares design elements with the older M1 MacBook Air, including a 13-inch notchless display.
Read at Ars Technica
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