With the MacBook Neo, Apple is bringing a MacBook to a significantly lower price point for the first time. The device costs around €699 and aims to bring the MacBook experience to a market segment that has so far been dominated by Chromebooks and inexpensive Windows laptops.
To coincide with the device's launch, renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo provides new information on sales figures, production, and potential future features. He also outlines a timeline for upcoming MacBooks with OLED displays, including a future MacBook Pro and a later MacBook Air.
Back in June of last year, Ming-Chi Kuo first reported on an affordable Apple laptop. At the time, he spoke of a device with an approximately 13-inch display and an A18 Pro processor. He suggested a possible launch date of the end of the fourth quarter of 2025 or the beginning of the first quarter of 2026.
The release is now scheduled for the end of the first quarter of 2026. While his timing prediction was slightly off, the key technical details are accurate. He was also close to reality regarding the colors. Kuo mentioned silver, blue, pink, and yellow, while Apple ultimately launched the device in silver, indigo, blush, and citrus.
MacBook Neo: Apple's entry into the affordable laptop market
With the MacBook Neo, Apple is attempting to establish a MacBook in a price range around 700 euros for the first time. The device has a 13-inch display and is powered by the A18 Pro chip.
Ming-Chi Kuo's original sales forecast was 5 to 7 million units in 2026. However, due to the slightly later market launch, he has revised this estimate to 4.5 to 5 million units. Of these, approximately 2 to 2.5 million units are expected to be shipped in the first half of 2026.
Production and supply chain
Currently, the MacBook Neo is manufactured exclusively by Quanta. However, according to Kuo, the supply chain could soon expand. Foxconn could also become involved in production in the near future.
Additionally, Luxshare could try to secure a contract to assemble the MacBook Neo. Apple frequently works with multiple manufacturers to increase production capacity and maintain a stable supply chain.
The touchscreen on the MacBook Neo remains unclear
Previous predictions suggested that the second-generation MacBook Neo might receive a touchscreen. This was based on competition from Chromebooks, where more than half of the devices support touch.
However, according to new information from the supply chain, this feature is uncertain. Kuo suggests the Neo 2 might not get a touchscreen after all. Since the MacBook Neo is primarily intended to remain a budget-friendly MacBook, omitting this additional hardware would not be surprising.
The first MacBook with a touchscreen could instead be a high-priced premium model.
OLED MacBook Pro and OLED MacBook Air
In addition to the MacBook Neo, Kuo also mentions a timeline for future MacBook generations. He confirms reports by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman that Apple is working on a MacBook Pro with an OLED touchscreen.
According to Kuo, this device could be released at the end of the fourth quarter of 2026 or the beginning of the first quarter of 2027.
A MacBook Air with an OLED display is also planned. However, this model is expected much later. According to Kuo's estimate, an OLED MacBook Air might not be released until around 2028 or 2029.
MacBook Neo and the future of MacBook models
The MacBook Neo marks an important step in Apple's laptop strategy. With a price of around €699, Apple is launching a MacBook in a significantly more affordable market segment for the first time.
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, 4.5 to 5 million units could be sold in 2026. The model is currently manufactured by Quanta, while Foxconn or Luxshare could also play a role in the future.
Whether the MacBook Neo will have a touchscreen remains uncertain for now. At the same time, Apple is already working on future MacBooks with OLED displays, including a possible OLED MacBook Pro from 2026 or 2027, and an OLED MacBook Air towards the end of the decade. (Image: Apple)
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