Apple May End $599 MacBook Neo Base Model Amid Rising Costs

Apple is weighing the removal of the $599 256 GB MacBook Neo, which would leave the $699 512 GB model as the entry-level option, effectively raising the starting price by $100 without changing any other configuration.

MacRumors

The Neo launched in March 2026, sold out quickly and now faces two-to-three-week shipping delays. Apple has asked suppliers to double output to about 10 million units—roughly twice the original 5–6 million forecast—to meet demand.

MacRumors

• Production: 10 million Neo units (up from 5–6 million).

CNET

• Pricing: $599 256 GB, $699 512 GB; education discount makes the $599 model $499.

MacRumors

• Chip: A18 Pro with five GPU cores (one disabled); new chips will be fully functional but cost more.

9to5Mac

• Component pressure: Global RAM shortage raises memory costs.

The Verge

Apple has not announced any price change. In the Q2 earnings call, CEO Tim Cook said the company was “very bullish on the product before announcing it, but we under-called the level of enthusiasm that would be with it.” Apple also warned that supply constraints will continue this quarter.

CNET

Student groups warn that dropping the $599 model would eliminate the most affordable entry point. They note that the $100 education discount already upgrades the base to Touch ID and double storage, but many educators fear reduced access.

CNET

• “We were very bullish on the product before announcing it, but we under-called the level of enthusiasm that would be with it,” — Tim Cook, CEO, Apple

CNET

• “I'm already on record as saying that students should view Apple's $100 discount as a free upgrade for Touch ID and double the storage, so I wouldn't be too upset to see the end of the $599 Neo with its meager amount of storage and no Touch ID.” — Josh Goldman, CNET

CNET

• “Apple is considering dropping the cheapest MacBook Neo configuration as one possible response to the rising cost of building the popular laptop, according to Taiwan-based tech columnist and former Bloomberg reporter Tim Culpan.” — Tim Culpan, Analyst (Culpium)

MacRumors

• “In response to this, Culpan says Apple is doubling production for the Neo to 10 million units, rather than the 5 to 6 million it initially planned for.” — Tim Culpan, Analyst (Culpium)

The Verge

Analysts say Apple may add new Neo colors to soften the impact of a price rise. A second-generation Neo with an A19 Pro chip is expected in early 2027, which could reset pricing. Until Apple confirms a change, the $599 model’s future remains uncertain.

CNET