Cupertino edges in on Chromebook territory with smaller form factor, bright colours
Life
MacBook Neo. Image: Apple
Apple has finally revealed a new MacBook Pro and the long-awaited entry-level MacBook Neo in cheerful colours such as bright silver, indigo (blue), blush (pink) and citrus (yellow/green).
Under the Neo’s bonnet is an A18 Pro chip, the same generation used in the high-end variant of the iPhone 16 Pro.
Working memory is around 8GB and storage options are 256GB and 512GB. Resolution is slightly lower than the MacBook Air, with a pixel density of 219 pixels per inch. The LCD screen has a 60Hz refresh rate.
Because the A18 Pro comes from the iPhone, there is no support for Thunderbolt ports, only USB-C ports (10Gb/s). As a result, the model can only drive one external display at a time.
The Neo costs tarts at €699. Until now, the MacBook Air has been the cheapest MacBook, just over €1,000, but comparable laptops are often much cheaper. This is especially true of Chromebook models, which are widely used in the education sector.
This is not the first time Apple has presented a super-thin MacBook. Exactly a decade ago, the a 12″ version of the MacBook was released, which was discontinued July 2019. Because of its pricing, lack of ports and the much-maligned butterfly keyboard, it did not become a success.
Some analysts expect gradual sales growth than an explosive take-off.
The new MacBook 2026 will be available for pre-order from today (4 March) at Apple and will be delivered from 11 March.
MacBook Air
Apple also announced the new MacBook Air with M5 with storage doubled to 512GB. Apple’s N1 wireless chip, which is Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 capable. The Air features a thin, light and strong aluminium design, a Liquid Retina display, a 12MP Centre Stage camera, a battery that lasts up to 18 hours, a sound system that supports Spatial Audio and two Thunderbolt 4 ports that allow you to connect up to two external displays.
The 13″ MacBook Air with M5 is available from €1,249 and even more affordable with education discounts. The 15″ MacBook Air with M5 is available from €1,549. Both are available in sky blue, midnight, starlight and silver.
The new 13″ and 15″MacBook Air with M5 are available for pre-order now.
MacBook Pro
In addition, Apple launched 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pro with the all-new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. The new MacBook Pro includes N1, an Apple-designed wireless connectivity chip capable of Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 and 24-hour battery life, a Liquid Retina XDR display with optional nano texture, an array of connectivity options (including Thunderbolt 5), a 12MP Centre Stage camera, studio-quality microphones, six speakers, Apple Intelligence features and macOS Tahoe.
The new MacBook Pro, which is available in space black and silver, is available for pre-order from today (4 March) and ships from 11 March. Prices start at €1,949.
Emerce