GoKawiilApple's $700 MacBook Neo runs macOS on an iPhone chip
Apple has released the MacBook Neo, a low-cost laptop priced at $700 that uses a repurposed iPhone processor rather than an M-series chip found in other current Macs. The launch comes shortly before the MacBook Air's price rose by $200 to $1,300, reportedly due to tariffs and rising memory costs.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Using an iPhone chip instead of a Mac-specific processor suggests Apple is trying to preserve an affordable entry point in its laptop lineup as component costs rise industry-wide. The reviewer notes the approach performs better than expected but still carries limitations, which could shape whether buyers wait for a future, possibly pricier, refresh.
- MacBook Neo costs $700, using a modified iPhone chip instead of Apple's M-series silicon
- MacBook Air's price recently rose $200 to $1,300, linked to tariffs and memory costs
- Reviewer finds macOS performance on the iPhone chip surprisingly capable despite some limitations
Apple MacBook Air M2 — If you want the real Apple laptop experience without the compromises of a repurposed phone chip, the MacBook Air with the M2 chip remains a fantastic entry point into the Mac ecosystem. It balances performance, battery life, and portability in a way that's proven and reliable, making it a smart alternative while you weigh whether the budget-focused Neo is worth the trade-offs.
See Apple MacBook Air M2 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Roger Fingas, 2026-10-24
Published there as: “The MacBook Neo uses an iPhone chip, and it's just good enough”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.