Apple March event LIVE — MacBook Neo reactions, iPhone 17e and all the new products
Apple's massive week of reveals left us with a new iPhone, iPad and several MacBooks
Apple's week of announcements has brought us a new iPhone, iPad and several MacBooks including the brand new MacBook Neo — Apple's highly anticipated low-cost laptop.
It's been a busy week for the company starting with the iPhone 17e bringing double the storage for $599, and the iPad Air M4 with more power. Apple followed this up with the new MacBook Air M5 and MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max, plus new versions of the Studio Display and Studio Display XDR.
And yesterday, we finally saw the all-new MacBook Neo revealed in a range of different colors, packing an A18 Pro chip and a price tag of just $599. Our Global Editor in Chief was at Apple's special experience in NYC and got hands-on with the Neo himself. You can read his thoughts right here.
We don't know if Apple has any more announcements to make this week, but you can follow all the latest news — as well as reaction and analysis on what's been announced — right here. Let's dive in!
When is the Apple March event?
- The announcements: The reveals officially kicked off on Monday, March 2, at 9 a.m. ET and continued until Wednesday, March 4. We had a steady stream of press releases dropping over the first half of the week.
- The "Special Apple Experience": This took place on Wednesday, March 4, with Apple hosting invite-only, in-person hands-on sessions for the media in New York, London and Shanghai at 9 a.m. EST / 2 p.m. GMT / 6 a.m. PST.
How to watch Apple March Event?
Apple didn't hold a livestream keynote this time. Instead, we got press releases along with product videos directly added to its YouTube channel, throughout the week.
The Special Apple Experience gave media hands-on time with its upcoming devices, and we here at Tom's Guide were in attendance to try out the new devices Apple announced. Keep an eye out for our reviews coming soon.
We'll be updating this page with the latest updates and reactions throughout the week, so keep it locked right here.
Biggest Announcements
- iPhone 17e - The new $599 iPhone includes a faster A19 chip, double the storage and a more durable Ceramic Shield 2 display, plus a new pink color.
- iPad Air M4 - Starting at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model, the new iPad Air comes with an M4 processor and more memory than its predecessor.
- Mac Studio Display and Studio Display XDR - The new displays start at $1,599 for the basic one and $3,299 for the XDR model.
- MacBook Air M5 - The new MacBook Air gets a significant upgrade with the M5 chip.
- MacBook Pro M5 Pro and MacBook Pro M5 Max - The latest MacBook Pro comes in 14- and 16-inch sizes and starts at $2,199.
- MacBook Neo - a new-low cost MacBook powered by the A18 chip, running MacOS Tahoe and available in a range of colors for $599.
Apple March event latest updates
It all begins today!
And Apple’s big week begins! This is the first time we’re seeing the Cupertino tech giant kick off its spring showcase with multi-day announcements in a row, and we can expect at least 5 products to be unveiled.
While the Special Apple Experience is set for March 5, we already know the first launch is happening today (March 2), with Tim Cook stating on X, “it all starts Monday morning!”
With the number of products we’re anticipating, it’s anyone’s guess what the first reveal will be. For now, we’ll be keeping our eyes open for anything to drop from 9 a.m. EST / 2 p.m. GMT onwards. Stay tuned!
The BIG announcement
While there are many products we’re hoping to see, one stands out from the rest: the low-cost MacBook with an A18 Pro. That’s the same chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro, and it will mark the first time Apple brings an entry-level MacBook without an “Air” or “Pro” moniker in over a decade.
As we’ve heard, we’re expecting a 12.9-inch MacBook that’s aimed to take on the budget market, including Chromebooks and cheap Windows laptops. This is apparently what the Special Apple Experience is mainly for, and that Apple invitation with the colorful logo is teasing us with the colors it will come in.
Will it be announced today? It won’t be long until we finally see what Apple is dishing out first, as we’re also anticipating an iPhone 17e, MacBook Pro and Air refreshes, along with iPad updates. Oh, and maybe even an all-new Mac Studio and Studio Display.
What’s coming today?
A big week ahead. It all starts Monday morning! #AppleLaunch pic.twitter.com/PQ9gM2Gl2rFebruary 26, 2026
This is anyone’s guess, as at least five products could steal the spotlight today.
As CEO Tim Cook notes, announcements are kicking off this morning (possibly from 9 a.m. EST / 2 p.m. GMT onwards), but he also teases us with a brief Apple logo video.
Is that the surface of a MacBook? It looks like it, but it’s hard to tell considering all of the rumored devices up for launch could have that surface. With the Special Apple Experience expected to be dedicated to the low-cost MacBook (and other announcements), we may not see this launch until later in the week.
Instead, Apple may dedicate a day to MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Air and iPad refreshes, another day for the iPhone 17e, and the final day for the all-new MacBook.
Prepare for refreshes
So, the low-cost MacBook may be Apple’s new product, but there are many devices we’re here to see get a refresh, too.
That includes the MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Max (these laptops have been a long time coming), MacBook Air M5, iPad Air M4, iPad 12 (with A18?) and Mac Studio with M5 Ultra, along with a Studio Display.
It’s a lot of products, which is why Apple appears to be gearing up for a three-day rollout of devices. We’ve heard at least five products will be on the way, so there’s a chance not all of these will be announced. We’re here to stay on alert on the latest developments; we’ll keep you in the know!
When can we expect announcements?
As Cook so generously claims, the first announcement should kick off today (March 2) in the morning!
That’s in U.S. time, by the way, so we could expect something to drop as soon as 9 a.m. EST / 2 p.m. GMT (or possibly a little later to give everyone a chance to wake up and log in for the day).
Be on the lookout for then. We’re expecting reveals to drop as a press release, so keep an eye on the Apple Newsroom.
Wait, an iPhone 17e too?
It isn’t all about MacBooks, iPads and more, as Apple is tipped to be dropping its next affordable iPhone: the iPhone 17e.
Since the iPhone 16e was announced in February last year, the Cupertino tech giant is (kind of) already late for its expected 17e reveal. We’ve heard plenty of iPhone 17e rumors, indicating we may see an A19 chipset (like the iPhone 17), possibly along with a Dynamic Island cutout, but this is still up in the air.
Otherwise, expect a similar design to the 16e, just with a spec bump. We’re not even sure if Apple’s e-series will get an annual refresh, but considering its numbered naming, it makes sense that there will be a 17e. Either way, we’re on watch for it!
Low-cost MacBook price
The biggest question I have for this anticipated low-cost MacBook with A18 Pro is how much will it cost? I’m sure it’s on everyone’s minds, considering it’s set to hit the budget laptop market to take on Chromebooks and cheap Windows machines for students and beyond.
What we can expect is a price "well under $1,000," as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claims. As we’ve here, many reports indicate pricing could be between $599 and $799, which makes sense, considering the MacBook Air M4 is priced at $999. Although this often dips, dropping to as low as $749. So, it's likely we're looking at a cheap MacBook for around $599 to $699.
That said, Apple’s budget MacBook may not be so cheap after all, according to a leak. Apparently, it may be priced between $699 and $749 (thanks, RAM crisis), but that higher cost would leave a sour taste in our mouths. So, here’s hoping for something more affordable!
Apple is gearing up for a 'major rush' of customers
Apple appears to be preparing for a flock of customers after the announcements this week, and I can see why with the number of products we're expecting to be unveiled!
In Bloomberg's Mark Gurman's latest report, he claims that Apple employees at retail stores are gearing up for what is "on par with what happens before the debut of new iPhones in the fall." That's because Apple expects a "major rush" of buyers, and it's likely due to the low-cost MacBook, among its other refreshes, this week.
As Gurman notes, the MacBook with A18 Pro should "drive a serious number of switchers from Windows machines and Chromebooks," due to its price. Well, we'll just have to see what the tech giant has up its sleeves.
Is a Mac Studio and Studio Display coming?
It's unlike Apple to fit this many announcements into a spring showcase, but it looks to have three days of announcements on its hands, so we may just see an updated Mac Studio and Studio Display slip into the mix.
Since we've seen hints of an M5 Ultra chip, there's a strong chance that there will be a new Mac Studio with M5 Ultra in the near future, and there's also been word of two new Studio Display monitors coming in 2026.
According to Gurman, while Apple's next Studio Displays are ready to ship, the new Mac Studios are still a little behind. So, the Cupertino company may be waiting to release these a little later in the first half of 2026 instead.
Plus, with rumors of an iMac and Mac mini refresh, Apple may hold the Mac Studio and Studio Display until a later date to bundle these reveals. They're part of the same family of products, after all. But who knows, they could make an appearance, so keep these on your radar!
Don't forget the iPad 12!
Apple tends to stick with its routine of spring announcements, which is why we're expecting the next iPad Air M4 to drop. But we're also looking to see the next entry-level iPad 12, and this one actually comes with a big upgrade.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claims it's on the way, and the iPad 12 is expected to feature an A18 chip (or possibly an A19, though given the base iPad generally skips just one generation, A18 makes sense).
While we expect the same design, the boost from the A18/A19 chip should finally bring Apple Intelligence to the base iPad. So, not just a simple refresh with better performance, but added capabilities. Another reported upgrade is the iPad 12 moving to 8GB of RAM, compared to the usual 6GB.
I'm a big fan of the iPad 11, and if it's getting even bigger performance gains, it's a tablet that should be on most people's radars.
Low-cost MacBook A18 Pro: What colors will we see?
So, we've heard the budget MacBook is expected to have an A18 Pro chip, and a 12.9-inch display, but what I'm looking forward to is seeing the colors it comes in!
Just like Apple's iMac range, the low-cost MacBook is rumored to appear in a host of playful colors. If anything, that Apple March invitation may be giving us a hint at the colors to expect.
Colors we expect include light yellow, light green, blue and pink, along with the usual classic silver and dark gray. I would adore a light green model, but what color would you like to see for this all-new MacBook?
Get ready for MacBooks!
Along with the low-cost MacBook, we're hoping to see Apple finally announce the MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Max, along with the MacBook Air M5. Don't expect major revamps on these, just more of a spec bump. Still, adding more power to some of the best laptops we've tested is always welcome.
Since the MacBook Pro M5 made its debut last year, we've been twiddling our thumbs in anticipation of the M5 Pro and M5 Max models. In fact, we were hoping to see them towards the end of 2025 or the start of 2026, but no such luck. Now, it's time for these pro-level machines to shine. And yes, expect 14- and 16-inch models, but expect these to look largely the same as the base M5 model.
As for the MacBook Air M5, we'll see the might of the Pro come to Apple's popular thin and lightweight 13- and 15-inch machines. The new architectural changes to the GPU cores with neural accelerators and the higher memory bandwidth over the MacBook Air M4 should see a major performance boost.
Put these on your bingo card!
Here's how the MacBook with A18 Pro compares to M1
With the low-cost MacBook expected to come with an A18 Pro chip (yes, an iPhone chipset), you may be thinking this will pale in comparison to the usual M-series chips. Well, the A18 Pro actually proves to be quite a powerhouse (for this budget price range, of course).
In our low-cost MacBook vs MacBook Air M1 comparison, we used the Geekbench browser to see how the A18 Pro chip could measure up to the M1 chip. And would you look at that? The A18 Pro beat the M1 in both single-core and multi-core performance!
Now, when it comes to multitasking heavy-duty tasks, including video rendering and the like, the A18 Pro isn't looking to be up for this task. That said, for most, especially those who prefer a MacBook for scrolling online, working on documents, watching shows and more, the A18 Pro should have more than enough power to handle it all.
MacBook Air with OLED expected in 2028
While we're expecting to see an updated MacBook Air M5 this week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claims he expects a MacBook Air with an OLED display by 2028. It's still a while away, and we're hoping to see an OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro by the end of 2026. Still, with Apple's "Air" laptops looking to shift from LCD to OLED now, it's an exciting upgrade to get.
The MacBook Air has yet to see a major revamp since the MacBook Air M2, so an OLED transition would see a significant change coming to the laptop. If Apple continues its rollout of upcoming devices, it won't be until the MacBook Air with M7 that we see OLED arrive.
It appears Apple will be moving nearly all of its products to OLED over the next few years, but for now, we're here for refreshes with upgraded chips.
Will iPhone 17e come with a Dynamic Island cutout?
The iPhone 17e may be in the cards this week, and while we're expecting the same 6.1-inch display with a 60Hz refresh rate, 48MP main and 12MP selfie cameras, along with an upgraded A19 chipset, will it come with a Dynamic Island cutout like today's iPhones?
We've heard one rumor claim the 17e will ditch the older notch for a more modern Dynamic Island cutout, making Apple's full lineup of smartphones sport the same look. However, more recent reports don't believe this will be the case.
In any case, expect the entry-level iPhone we saw last year, this time with upgrades under the hood. And yes, hopefully all for the same $599 cost. Will Apple make the big announcement this week? We'll keep you in the know!
What are you excited for? Let us know!
With an all-new budget MacBook, entry-level iPhone 17e, MacBook Pro and Air refreshes, upgraded iPads and more expected to drop this week, there's a lot to look forward to in Apple's three-day showcase.
I can't wait to see a cheap MacBook with an A18 Pro chip, but what's caught your eye the most? Cast your votes to let us know!
What should Studio Display 2 come with?
One of the more extravagant reveals we're expecting this week is a brand new Studio Display. It's been some years since Apple released the first Studio Display, and we're about due for an upgrade.
The question is, what sort of improvements and changes can we expect from a Studio Display 2? Tom's Guide's Anthony Spadafora has a few ideas, and here are seven new upgrades he'd like to see on Apple's next ultra-premium display.
What could we sacrifice for a cheaper MacBook?
One of the most exciting things about this week's Apple reveals is the prospect of a much cheaper MacBook. Possibly even $599 cheap. The question is, how is Apple going to make the cuts to justify that price tag?
The chipset is the obvious one, since it's expected to come with an A18 Pro chipset — which powers the iPhone 17 Pro. However, other sacrifices may see the machine arrive without a backlit keyboard, no larger TB storage options, no fast charging support and more.
They're all quite small features, but they could easily add up to rather large cost savings.
Don't expect many more cheap Apple products
All the talk of cheaper iPhones and MacBooks is worth reminding people that this may be the last time we see "cheap" Apple products for a while. The RAMageddon crisis is to blame for that.
Samsung, which supplies Apple's RAM for iPhones and Macs, just confirmed that Apple has agreed to a 100% price increase on all RAM orders. Which inevitably means Apple products will be going up in price. We don't know how much of the cost Apple will pass on, but we wouldn't expect Apple to absorb much, if any, of it.
MagSafe for every iPhone?
One of the biggest rumors surrounding the iPhone 17e suggests it may fix one of the biggest issues of the iPhone 16e — namely the fact the 16e lacks MagSafe. It has wireless charging, but none of the magnets that make Apple's wireless charging experience so great.
iPhone 17e may change that, ensuring that all iPhones on sale come with the magnetic charging experience. That means a better experience too, since the magnet will ensure even more efficient by perfectly aligning the wireless charging coils. Not to mention it'll let you use all kinds of magnetic accessories in the process.
iPhone 17e and iPad Air
Apple just announced the new iPad Air and iPhone 17e. We'll have more on them shortly, but these are definitely exciting ways for the company to kick off its big week of news.
Everything you need to know the iPhone 17e
Apple is offering some significant upgrades to the iPhone 17e. The most significant are probably the A19 chip, a doubling of storage to 256GB, and MagSafe support.
You can snag the new affordable iPhone for $599, with pre-orders starting at 6.15 am PST on Wednesday, March 4, and full availability will come on March 11. You can get it in Black, White and Soft Pink, so there's a standout color if you want something less basic.
If you want to know more about Apple's new budget-friendly phone, here's the full breakdown:
All the iPad Air details
It's hard to say which announcement is more exciting, the iPhone 17e or the iPad Air M4. It depends on what kind of device you're in the market for, but either way, these two devices are a smart way for Apple to kick off its big week, as they're more budget-friendly.
The iPad Air M4 isn't reinventing the wheel, but it sounds like a solid device with up to 30 percent more than the iPad Air with M3. It also adds 50 percent more unified system memory than its predecessor, which should yield noticeable improvements in workflows.
Available in both 11-inch and 13-inch models, the iPad Air with M4 sells for $599 and $799, respectively.
If you want to know more about Apple's new lightweight iPad Air, here's the full breakdown:
What will tomorrow bring?
Apple started the week off with two big announcements, the iPhone 17e and iPad Air M4, but we're expecting even more.
Here are the devices left that could be announced:
- Low-cost MacBook A18 Pro
- MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Max
- MacBook Air M5
- iPad 12
- Mac Studio and Studio Display
Which device are you most excited for of the ones that are left?
iPhone 17e budget powerhouse?
With the iPhone 17e announced at $599, it's making us think about the best budget-friendly smartphones. Most of the excitement around smartphones comes from the top-of-the-line models like the iPhone 17 and its siblings, but there's an entire segment of the market that doesn't need high-end phones and is perfectly happy with something more affordable.
Of course, the 17e is on the higher side of the budget price range, despite still only having a single camera, but based on the other specs, it might just be the affordable phone to beat.
iPad Air could be a deal jackpot
The 2025 iPad Air packs Apple's M3 processor, an 11-inch LED (2360 x 1640) display, 128GB of storage, a 12MP rear camera, and a 12MP front camera. The tablet features an 8-core CPU, which makes the M3 up to 35% faster for multithreaded CPU workflows than the iPad Air M1. There's also a 9-core GPU on board with 40% faster graphics performance. In our iPad Air M3 review, we called it "the best Apple tablet for most people."
Apple didn't make many significant changes to the iPad Air aside from adding the M4 chip. However, the M3 is still a very capable processor that can handle pretty much anything you throw at it.
With that in mind, we expect significant savings on the M3 iPad Air as retailers make room for the new models. With the upgrades being so small, it's definitely worth keeping an eye on prices to see if you can get the iPad Air you've always wanted at a much lower price (it's $100 off at Target right now, but better deals might even come along).
Meet iPhone 17e
Apple isn't holding a press conference for its new devices this week but the company did drop news releases and advertisements for the iPhone 17e that was announced today.
Here's a first look.
A light look at the iPad Air M4
Beyond the M4 chip there isn't much new with the updated iPad Air. And Apple knows that, which is why it looks like the ad released today appears to focus on the daily journal you can take with the iPad.
It's compelling.
When will iPad Air m4 preorders go live
Apple just announced the new iPad Air M4.
As of this posting preorder deals aren't yet available, but retailers like Best Buy and Amazon usually offer dollar-off discounts.
We track the deals, so make sure to follow our iPad deals coverage as retailers discount the current-gen tablets to make room for the newer ones.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 17e
Largely, the iPhone 17e is much the same as its predecessor. However, there are some differences beyond just the new A19 chip.
We've broken it all down in our iPhone 17e vs iPhone 16e guide.
6 must have accessories for your iPhone 17e
If you're planning on purchasing an iPhone 17e, there are several accessories you might want to consider purchasing to go along with it, including the official Apple iPhone 17e Silicone Case ($49, Apple).
Here's a full list of accessories you should consider.
Apple keeps prices the same
A lot of hay has been made out of the ongoing RAM crisis, but Apple kept pricing the same for both the 17e and the iPad Air.
Both models have the same starting price as their predecessors.
The iPhone 17e starts at $599 for the 256GB version.
Apple's new iPad Air M4 also starts at $599, but for the 11-inch 128GB version. The price can quickly rise if you add an Apple Pencil, a detachable keyboard, and LTE connectivity.
More to come this week
Today was just the e-series iPhone and the new iPad Air. But we expect more to come over the next two days.
The biggest one that hasn't been announced yet is the rumored cheap MacBook meant to take on low-cost Google and Windows PCs. There could also be an updated Studio Display.
Are you excited for either of those devices?
iPhone 17e should be more powerful
With the upgrade to the A19 chip, the iPhone 17e should be more powerful and efficient than its predecessor.
We'll be sure to test the device for our full review but we can make some conjecture thanks to testing we did on the iPhone 17 which showed marked improvement.
Check out the numbers here.
iPad Air M4 compared
The updated iPad Air M4 is an incremental upgrade with the more recent M4 chip and WiFi 7.
Here's how the iPad Air M4 compares to the 11- and 13-inch M3 versions that it replaces.
Is a single rear camera enough in 2026?
Apple's iPhones are known for their incredible camera performances. However, the iPhone 17e is still choosing to have a single rear camera in 2026. That certainly puts it in a tough position, especially against its closest competitor in the Pixel 10a.
These best cheap phone contenders are on a collision course, but it's hard to overlook the fact that you have less utility from the onset with the iPhone 17e. If you look back at our 200 photo shootout between the Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e, Google's phone easily cruised to victory. Will the outcome be the same this year between the iPhone 17e and Pixel 10a? Time will tell.
Studio Display 2 wishlist
Apple is expected to announce at least five new products this week. We've already seen two in the iPhone 17e and the iPad Air M4.
One of the rumored potential devices is an upgraded Studio Display 2.
My colleague Anthony Spadafora is pretty excited and has a wishlist of 7 upgrades he'd like to see in the Studio Display 2.
iPhone tips and tricks
If you decided to purchase an iPhone 17e, or already own one, we're hosting a series of iPhone tips and tricks on our TikTok profile.
Check it out. If you prefer YouTube as a platform we're sharing these tips there as well.
iPad 12?
Apple is expected to announce a refreshed iPad 12 this week. Usually, the company pairs its tablets together, so its surprising that the 12 wasn't announced today.
Still, it's one we believe we'll see this week. Like the iPad Air, the big upgrade will be a new A18 or A19 chipset, but little more than that.
What we still expect to see
This week's Apple announcements are meant to last through Wednesday (Mar. 4).
Here's what we're still expecting to see potentially launch over the next couple of days:
Tune in tomorrow
That's all for now.
Tune in tomorrow (March 3), to see what else Apple announces. Tom's Guide will be there to track everything and tell you what's coming.
Is the iPhone 17e worth buying?
There are a few reasons why you might want to pick up an iPhone 17e for yourself, but there are also a few reasons why you might not. Whether you're interested in getting double the storage for no extra cost, interested in Magsafe, or turned off by the $599 price tag, be sure to check out our rundown of reasons to buy and skip the iPhone 17e.
Upgrades to expect from iPad Air M4
Performance may be one of the biggest changes on the new iPad Air M4, but there's a lot more on offer than a faster chip. The iPad Air M3 was one of the best tablets money can buy, and it looks like the iPad Air M4 is set to give it a run for its money. Here are all the biggest upgrades to expect from the upcoming lightweight tablet.
Everything you need to know about iPhone 17e
In case you missed all the news about the iPhone 17e as it happened, we have a full rundown of what to expect from the new phone. The short version is that there are no major design changes, though the new model does have MagSafe in the back. There's also a new modem, a faster processor, and double the amount of storage for no extra cost.
What's the difference between iPad Air M4 and iPad Air M3?
So the iPad Air M4 is coming, so what? The iPad Air M3 is already an excellent tablet, how exactly is the new model any better? Here's our full rundown of the iPad Air M4 vs iPad Air M3, covering all the differences between the two tablets.
Must have iPhone 17e accessories
If you're set on picking up an iPhone 17e for yourself, then you're going to want to pick up some extra things to help accessorize it. We have the usual suggestions like cases, power banks and even a charger, but you can also pick up useful bits like the new AirPods Pro 3 for an improved iPhone experience.
What else to expect from Apple Week
The iPhone 17e and iPad Air M4 are only the start of what Apple has to offer for the rest of the week. We're also expecting to see a bunch of Mac-centric products, including the cheaper MacBook with A18 Pro chipset — which swaps out the M-series silicon for the iPhone 16 Pro's processor.
On top of that, there's the new MacBook Air M5, MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, and possibly even a brand new Mac Studio — with accompanying Studio Display. Oh, and the entry-level iPad 12, for those of you who want the Apple tablet experience without paying Air or Pro prices.
Apple's confident this will all pay off
Needless to say there is a lot going on through Apple Week, and Apple believes that this will translate into foot traffic at the Apple Store. It's already reportedly prepping employees for the upcoming launches, to the extent that it apparently feels like the run-up to an iPhone launch.
Considering the iPhone is Apple's best-selling product, and drives around 50% of its revenue every year, that's a lot of faith to have in a mid-year refresh. It's suggested that the cheap MacBook with A18 Pro is the driving force behind Apple's confidence, with higher-ups believing that the lower price tag will encourage more people than ever to buy a Mac.
Not so cheap after all?
The real question is, how much cheaper will the so-called cheap MacBook actually be? Early rumors suggested it could cost as little as $599, though more recent reports suggest it could be higher — between $699 and $749.
Obviously, that's not really cheap, especially not when the cheapest MacBook Air is $899, and offers all the benefits of an M-series chip, like powerful performance and excellent battery life. Not to mention the fact that they can be found discounted during major sales events.
In case you were wondering, this hypothetical price increase is thanks to the RAM crisis and the ever-increasing cost of computing components. Which is another reason to lament the growing AI bubble.
How will Apple lower the cost of the cheaper MacBook?
The cheap MacBook was never going to be on par with a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, but what sort of cuts is Apple planning to make? According to a leak shared on Chinese social media, there are going to be eight key downgrades to help accommodate the low price tag. These include:
- No backlit keyboard
- The display may have a lower max brightness
- No True Tone color adjustment for the display
- Slower SSD speeds
- No 1TB or 2TB storage capacity options
- No fast charging support
- No N1 chip (the chip used to improve performance and reliability of connectivity features like AirDrop)
- No high-impedance headphones support
They're all quite small details, but the do add up and could go a long way to making this new laptop significantly cheaper than the alternatives.
No touchscreen laptops... yet
One thing we shouldn't expect to see during Apple Week is the long-rumored touchscreen MacBook. That's more likely to arrive later in the year, likely after the launch of iPhone 18, so that it doesn't steal the thunder from all the new phones — including the iPhone Fold.
So while we might be seeing a cheaper MacBook, and new models with M5-series chips, they're going to come with the same non-touchable screens as before.
What does the iPad Air M4 have to offer?
Back to tablets, with a deep dive on the iPad Air M4. For the most part this tablet is the same as last year, barring a few upgrades like a faster chip and the addition of Wi-Fi 7. But if you're in the market for an iPad at some point in the near future, it's well worth considering — especially since the iPad Air M3 is one of the best tablets you can buy.
Which is better, a MacBook with A18 Pro or an M1 chip?
It might seem a little disappointing for a MacBook to come with an iPhone chipset, but there might be some very good reasoning behind it. Not only is it going to help bring the cost of the machine down, benchmarking tests show that the A18 Pro could rival the performance offered by 2020's M1 chip in a lot of areas.
Not to mention the fact that the mobile chip promises better power efficiency and graphical performance. We'd have to do some testing of our own with the upcoming MacBook to be sure, but Apple could be onto something very interesting here.
Buying a MacBook is only the start
If you are going to pick up a new MacBook, no matter what model it is, there ae plenty of ways you can improve on it. In fact, we've got a list of 15 must-have MacBook accessories that can improve the experience, from Tom's Guide's Darragh Murphy — who's been using MacBooks for over a decade.
We're talking stands, cases, AirPods and even a portable monitor for those times a single screen just isn't enough. It doesn't matter how good a MacBook screen might get, it can't be the efficiency of dual-, or even triple-screening it.
What we want from a new Studio Display
The Jury's still out on whether we'll see a new Apple Studio and accompanying Studio Display during this week's series of Apple reveals. But if we are getting a second-generation Studio Display in the near future, then there are a few things we'd like to see change.
Tom's Guide's Anthony Spadafora has put together a list of 7 key upgrades he wants to see, which he hopes would make the Studio Display 2 a productivity powerhouse.
How has iPhone 17e changed compared to iPhone 16e?
Just how different is the iPhone 17e compared to the iPhone 16e? While there are some notable upgrades, a lot of things are rather similar — but you don't really get a full sense of that until you actually compare these two phones side-by-side.
Luckily we've done all that comparison for you, and you can check out our iPhone 17e vs iPhone 16e face-off to see just how much has actually changed since last year.
But what about the Pixel 10a?
The iPhone 17s isn't the only flagship-alternative on the block, and the Google Pixel 10a is arriving very soon to try and claim the title of best cheap phone. But how do the two devices actually compare? We've put the two phones side by side to see which one offers the best value for your money.
What to expect from a new entry-level iPad
Yesterday's announcements brought with them the iPad Air M4, but plenty of rumors suggest Apple also has a new entry-level iPad in the works. If the company sticks to the same game plan today, we could see the iPad 12 revealed in less than an hour.
We're not sure if Apple will equip the iPad 12 with an A19 or A18 chip, but obviously we'll be hoping for the former. Another rumored upgrade could be a move to 8GB of RAM, compared to the usual 6GB. This makes sense, seeing as the iPhone 17 comes with 8GB of RAM, and would be yet another jump between base iPad models, as the iPad 10 came with 4GB.
With the ongoing RAM crisis starting to bite, though, that could carry big implications for the product's price tag.
Qualcomm in 'very good position' to fight potential low-cost MacBook
Apple's announcements today are sure to ricochet around the tech industry, particularly if the firm drops the expected low-cost MacBook running on an iPhone chip. An entry-level MacBook could take a real bite out of the Chromebook or Windows market and leave rival chipmakers grasping.
But Qualcomm doesn't look to be taking Apple's salvo without return fire. My colleague Jason England — currently in Barcelona for MWC 2026 — quizzed the company on using mobile chips in laptop hardware.
“From our perspective, there’s nobody better suited in this industry than Qualcomm to be able to address this challenge,” commented Kedar Kondap, SVP of compute and gaming at Qualcomm
“We have the same set of chips that are easily accessible on the phone side, as well as on the PC side. Not just that, but we have a pretty good share in tablets.”
So, not worried in the least, then.
Powerhouse performance from M5 Pro and M5 Max
Not everyone wants an entry-level device and would rather have power, more power and, if possible, a little more power. For those people, Apple is no doubt hoping the lure of the MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Max laptops will prove too much.
These machines have been rumored since the MacBook Pro M5 launched last year and, if we had to guess, will probably land with a 10-15% performance boost over the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. It's likely they'll keep the same aluminum unibody chassis and port selection we've seen on MBPs for years. But for anyone needing the best of the best, these new MacBook Pros will be for you.
Announcements could drop any second...
Yesterday, Apple unveiled its new products at 9am ET / 6am ET / 2pm GMT and if the company takes the same approach today, we could be less than five minutes away from its next set of reveals.
Stay tuned to this live blog for the latest updates on Apple's new devices as they happen!
MacBook Pro M5 and Studio Displays have arrived
We knew the Apple announcements were about to drop, and the company has revealed two new MacBook Pro models with all-new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips under the hood. Apple went into more detail about the new chips, breaking down their power levels. We'll test them ourselves and bring you all the details, but they sound promising.
The company also showed off the new Studio Display and the all-new Studio Display XDR monitors.
MacBook Air with M5 arrives
Not content to only announce a new version of its most expensive laptop, Apple also revealed a new MacBook Air with an M5 chip.
MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Max, the details
If you want to know more about the new MacBook Pro and what it officially brings to the table, we've dug into Apple's release to find all of the key information so you can make a better decision whether the 14- or 16-inch MacBook Pro is right for you.
The MacBook Pro packs up to a 14-core CPU for the M5 Pro and a 16-core CPU for the M5 Max, paired with up to a 20-core GPU and a 40-core GPU, respectively.
MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Max announced — price, release date, specs and more
More info on new Studio Display
As mentioned, Apple revealed the Studio Display XDR with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2,000 nits of brightness, and the more affordable regular Studio Display has also been updated, starting at $1,599.
If you want to know more about Apple's new displays, check out the news story below.
Reddit reacts to the M5 MacBook Air
Users have taken to Reddit to discuss the newly announced MacBook Air M5, and the sentiment seems positive, especially with the base storage going up to 512GB. Of course, the $100 price increase isn't as exciting to users, but it's understandable for Apple to bump up the price for extra space.
Even so, $1,099 for everything the new MacBook Air M5 offers is a reasonable price, definitely worth considering if you're in the market for a new laptop.
In fact, in a quick poll of Tom's Guide readers on this very live blog, the MacBook Air is in the lead for the most exciting device announced today, but those results could change as time goes on.
MacBook Neo coming?
Now that the dust has settled on today's news, we have to start thinking about what could come tomorrow.
According to a new leak from MacRumors, Apple's affordable MacBook will be the MacBook Neo, which is definitely not a name I had on my radar going into the launch.
Maybe Neo from "The Matrix" will write the press release for Apple while battling Agent Smith. Or maybe Apple just thought the name sounded cool.
Goodbye Pro Display XDR
On the heels of the new Studio Displays hitting the market, Apple appears to have discontinued the Pro Display XDR and its shockingly-expensive $999 Pro Stand.
Thankfully, Apple's new Studio XDR display offers 5K resolution with mini-LED backlighting and up to 2,000 nits peak HDR brightness. It also comes with an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, so it's an upgrade from the previous display.
Price hikes abound
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Apple's announcements is that prices are on the rise, which isn't overly surprising, considering just about everything is going up in cost in the U.S.
Here's an example of the prices of the MacBook Air M5 compared with its more affordable cousin, the MacBook Air M4:
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Starting price |
MacBook Air M4 13-inch | $999 |
MacBook Air M5 13-inch | $1,099 |
MacBook Air M4 15-inch | $1,199 |
MacBook Air M5 15-inch | $1,299 |
Here's the full rundown of the price increases:
Apple just quietly hiked the price on the new MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros — what you'll pay now
What MacBook interests you?
With more expensive MacBook Pros announced, and an expected low-cost MacBook on the way, what Apple laptops are you interested in?
Apple accidentally leaks MacBook Neo
Earlier today, Apple accidentally posted regulatory documents that revealed an unannounced MacBook. That link has since been removed but it's been seen all the same.
The MacBook Neo (Model A3404) could possibly be the rumored cheap MacBook.
Apple still hasn't announced this new MacBook, but the company could possibly reveal it tomorrow (March 3).
The future of phones and laptops
We interrupt our Apple coverage to remind you that we are also checking out this year's edition of Mobile World Congress, which is in full swing right now.
We've seen some wild things, including Lenovo's modular laptop, the N64-esque Nothing Phone (4a) and TCL's NXTPaper 4.0.
If you're interested in what else is going on in the world of phones and laptops, check out all of our MWC 2026 coverage here.
3 biggest iPad Air M4
In case the MacBook and Studio distracted you today, don't forget Apple also announced the iPhone 17e and iPad Air M4 yesterday.
We took a look at the specs and found the 3 biggest upgrades for the new tablet. The M4 is obviously the main attraction, but it also comes with Wi-Fi 7 and even more memory.
Are you planning to upgrade this year?
Between last October and this week, Apple has announced a slew of MacBooks from the high-end Pro models to the cheaper Air variants. And we're still waiting on the low-cost MacBook Neo.
So, is an updated laptop in the cards for you this year? Let us know.
What's left to reveal?
Apple has one more day left in its device extravaganza and there are a few products that have yet to debut including the much rumored MacBook Neo.
We could also still see an iPad 12 and a refrehsed Mac Studio.
MacBook Air M5 vs MacBook Air M4
While the MacBook Air M5's biggest upgrade is the new M5 chip, that doesn't mean it's the only thing different compared to the MacBook Air M4.
We dug into the details to find out what's new and how the MacBook Air M5 compares to its predecessor so you can make an informed choice.
MacBook Air M5 vs MacBook Air M4: What's actually different?
Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Instinct 3
As an aside, Tom's Guide's watch expert Dan Bracaglia is in Barcelona attending MWC 2026. While there he took the time to compare the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Garmin Instinct 3.
Check out his 15,000 step comparison to see how they did it. And of course, keep following Tom's Guide as we cover more of Mobile World Congress this week.
Hands-on sessions coming
Tomorrow (March 4), Apple is expected to have hands-on sessions in New York, London and Shanghai.
Tom's Guide will be on hand in two of those locations (we'll let you guess which), where we'll be sure to get a good feel for the new devices to see how they actually perform in the real world.
Additionally, as we get access to the devices and are able to we'll put them through their paces for our full reviews. Look forward to those in the coming weeks.
Tune in tomorrow
As we've mentioned throughout the day there are still a few products we believe will be announced before the week is done. Plus, the hands-on sessions that will take place tomorrow.
Keep Tom's Guide in your tabs as we'll be covering everything announced and played with tomorrow.
If you have questions let us know in the comments or shoot us an email.
MacBook Neo could arrive late today
The last big day of Apple Week could see the launch of the most important new product: a low-cost MacBook powered by Apple's A18 Pro chipset. A machine that has been referred to as the MacBook Neo in a last-minute leak that seems to have come from Apple itself.
Apple apparently has high hopes for the Neo. Internal sources claim Apple is preparing for a major retail blitz, on par with an iPhone launch, and the Neo could be the driving force behind it. Plus, with MacBook Air and MacBook Pro prices going up, the idea of a low-cost MacBook is very appealing. Especially to people who prefer the frugality of Chromebooks or lower-priced Windows machines.
What's new about the MacBook Air M5?
It's exciting to get an all-new MacBook Air, with a more powerful chip, but what else has actually changed? While we haven't done any testing to get a true idea of the Air M5's capabilities, we have put it head-to-head with the old MacBook Air M4. Here's how the two machines compare.
How do M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros compare?
If you're after something a little more robust and powerful than a MacBook Air, then there's always the new MacBook Pros. Apple's offering two sizes of the laptop, and the option to add an M5 Pro or M5 Max chipset in addition to the standard M5.
But how different are the new models compared to one powered by M4 Pro and M4 Max? We've done our own comparisons ahead of in-depth testing, and here's how things are looking.
Beware the price hikes
The real question is just how much all these new MacBooks are going to cost you? Sadly, it seems Apple has raised the prices this year, meaning you're paying an extra premium for the new chips.
Admittedl,y there are other upgrades too. Apple has doubled the amount of available storage on all new MacBooks, and you get the benefits of the faster chips. But you will still have to pay between $100 and $400 more, compared with the previous models.
All new Studio Displays
If you're very particular about the monitors you use and have plenty of money to spend, then the new Studio Display XDR might be the choice for you. With a $3,299 price tag, it certainly isn't cheap, but you do get a 27-inch XDR screen with 5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and 2,000 nits of brightness. Plus 12MP Center Stage camera and Thunderbolt 5.
Or if that professional display is a little too much for you, there's always the new and improved Studio Display. It's not quite as high-tech, but it still offers a 27-inch 5K display and a starting price of $1,599. Not cheap, but certainly a lot more affordable.
Possible iPad Air M4 benchmarks leaked
The iPad Air M4 was announced on Monday, and we may have just got our first clue as to how much of a performance upgrade it is. Geekbench has published two sets of results supposedly from the new tablet — although we can't verify their legitimacy until we get a chance to test the tablet for ourselves.
The scores are believed to belong to the 13-inch iPad Air M4 with Wi-Fi and Cellular connectivity, which posted 3,483 in a single-core test and 12,885 in the multi-core test. The second test recorded 3,714 and 12,296, respectively. That's a big leap in power over the previous generation and we'll need to see if these hold up once we get our review unit into testing.
- Read the full story: iPad Air M4 first benchmarks have leaked online — here's how much faster it is
MacBook Pro M5 Pro/Max: The biggest upgrades
Apple made good on the rumors it was planning to unveil the Pro and Max versions of its M5 chip this week. If you're planning to upgrade your MacBook this year and want to know how these new chips compare, we've pored over the specs of these new chips and how they compare to Apple's previous M4 Pro and M4 Max silicon.
Because Apple's MacBook Pros are so well equipped, it's unlikely you'll need to upgrade if you're currently sitting with an M4 Pro or M4 Max MacBook Pro. But the M5 Pro and M5 Max now have the Apple N1 chip, bringing Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 to Apple’s most powerful laptops. The MacBook Pro is just going from strength to strength.
- Read the full story: MacBook Pro M5 Pro/Max vs MacBook Pro M4 Pro/Max: The biggest upgrades
Does the MacBook Neo interest you?
The low-cost Macbook Neo is sure to be one of the week's biggest talking points if it does get revealed today. What could it bring to the table? The rumors are it'll feature either an A18 Pro or A19 Pro iPhone chipset, which, as we've argued, are powerful enough to run a laptop. Outside of the chips, it should have 12.9-inch display and come in colorful options like yellow, green, blue, and maybe pink to match the iPhone 17e.
Of course, it'll all come down to the price Apple will sell this for. And we've heard some things about what might get ditched to keep that cost down. But regardless, is a low-cost MacBook something you'd be interested in buying? Let us know!
We've arrived!
Tom's Guide is among the selected media that will be attending the in-person Special Apple Experience at Terminal Warehouse in NYC. The event will get underway properly in just less than an hour at 9 a.m. EST / 2 p.m. GMT / 6 a.m. PST.
Our Global Editor-in-Chief Mark Spoonauer is in attendance and has just arrived at the venue! Mark will be getting to grips with the products Apple has already announced, alongside whatever the company is gearing up to unveil today.
As a reminder, here are all the products already announced this week that we're expecting to get hands-on time with:
- iPhone 17e - The new $599 iPhone includes a faster A19 chip, double the storage and a more durable Ceramic Shield 2 display, plus a new pink color.
- iPad Air M4 - Starting at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model, the new iPad Air comes with an M4 processor and more memory than its predecessor.
- Mac Studio Display and Studio Display XDR - The new displays start at $1,599 for the basic one and $3,299 for the XDR model.
- MacBook Air M5 - The new MacBook Air gets a significant upgrade with the M5 chip.
- MacBook Pro M5 Pro and MacBook Pro M5 Max - The latest MacBook Pro comes in 14- and 16-inch sizes and starts at $2,199.
And we're inside!
As much as we love looking at classic architecture, it's much better to be inside the building for events like this. That way, we can be ready to go once the event itself gets underway in around 40 minutes.
Naturally, things look a little different and more modern on the inside, which is fitting for an event featuring iPhones, MacBooks and other Apple devices.
Best of all, the press pass is actually our phone. No pesky lanyards getting in the way this time.
Tick tock
It's now less than half an hour until the Apple Experience is set to begin, so let our Global Editor-in-Chief Mark Spoonauer take you further inside the venue as we wait to see what Apple has in store for us on the final day of Apple Week.
Getting ready for the Apple event! And the MacBook Neo… pic.twitter.com/15XhVc5fvMMarch 4, 2026
We're counting down the minutes
We're now just 10 minutes away from the start of the event and whatever Apple has planned for use today. Our money is on Apple revealing the rumored-low cost MacBook, which may be called the MacBook Neo.
We're very excited about that prospect, especially since yesterday's MacBook reveals also came with some rather nasty price hikes. With the cost of everything going up, actually getting a cheaper Apple laptop is something we can all be excited about.
Not long now
We're officially in the event space in New York, ready for what Apple has in store. It's standing only, but we've easily got the best view in the house. Here's just hoping the MacBook Neo really has the $599 price tag we've been hearing about.
Standing room only at intimate NY Apple event. I hope the MacBook Neo is as cheap as they’re saying. $599? $699? pic.twitter.com/clCte4XkBJMarch 4, 2026
Apple takes the stage
Apple executive John Ternus has taken the stage at the event in New York, which seems to have delayed the announcements going up on Apple's Newsroom.
Cheaper MacBook
Here's your first look at the cheaper MacBook Neo, which starts at $599 and comes in bright, vibrant colors.





More info on MacBook New
Here are all the details you need to know about the MacBook Neo:
MacBook Neo is official for $599 — specs, colors and latest news
Apple finally makes it official
Unlike previous news releases, where Apple posted all the details on its Newsroom right at 9 a.m., the company waited a little longer so the people in attendance at the event could get the first look.
However, after much delay, the information is officially live, so you can learn everything there is to know about the cheaper MacBook Neo directly from Apple.
Cheapest entry to MacOS
Apple has never had an entry point into the MacOS at this price point, which is exciting for students and others looking to get a MacBook who couldn't afford to spend upward of $999 on an Air.
I'm excited to see how it does in real-world testing with the lower-performing processor (the A18 Pro is the same one used in smartphones).
Apple specifically cites using it to " fly through everyday tasks, from browsing the web and streaming content, to editing photos, exploring creative hobbies, or using AI capabilities across apps
IDC analyst reacts
Tom's Guide received a statement from IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo regarding Apple's move into the $599 price range for MacBooks.
"Apple has announced the MacBook Neo at $599 and $499 for education. This is one of the most important announcements for Apple in the Mac product line and represents a shift in the history of the Mac. Apple has always positioned the MacBook as a premium computing product, with entry prices typically starting near or above $999," Jeronimo said.
"Moving into the $600 range indicates that Apple’s strategy is to expand the macOS installed base and compete more directly with Windows laptops and Chromebooks in education and price-sensitive segments," he continued.
He wrapped up his statement, saying, "The MacBook Neo will reshape the entry-level laptop segment, particularly in education, where Chromebooks have dominated shipments in recent years."
That's a bold prediction, but it seems totally plausible for Apple to take over this price range with its brand cache and overall quality of its products.
Weigh in!
Now that there's an affordable MacBook walking amongst us, we want to know what you think about it. If you were going shopping for a laptop right now, would you go for the new MacBook Neo, a Chromebook or an affordable Windows laptop? Sound off in the poll and feel free to elaborate in the comments at the bottom of the page!
We went hands-on!
We got a chance to put our hands on the brand new MacBook Neo, and we were shocked by how good it is for the price. Make sure to read our full hands-on at the link below to help you decide if this is a piece of tech you should be excited about!
M4 MacBook Pro vs. M5 MacBook Pro
Let's take a trip back to yesterday's big reveals with a head-to-head look at the MacBook Pro M5 Pro/Max vs MacBook Pro M4 Pro/Max.
There are some significant changes you can read about above, but here's a quick table breaking down some of the biggest upgrades:
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | MacBook Pro M5 Pro/Max | MacBook Pro M4 Pro/Max |
Starting price | From $2199 (M5 Pro, 14 inch) | From $1999 (M4 Pro, 14 inch) |
Display | 14.2 inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 3024x1964 resolution. 16.2 inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 3456x2234 resolution. | 14.2 inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 3024x1964 resolution. 16.2 inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 3456x2234 resolution. |
Chipset | M4 Pro or M4 Max | M4 Pro or M4 Max |
RAM | 16GB, 24GB, 36 GB, 48GB, 64GB and 128GB options | 24GB, 36GB, 48GB options |
Storage | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB or 8TB options | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB options |
Ports | SDXC card slot, HDMI port, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 port | SDXC card slot, HDMI port, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 port |
Front camera | 12MP Center Stage Camera | 12MP Center Stage Camera |
Size | 8.71x12.31x0.61 inches (14 inch) 9.77x14.01x0.66 inches (16 inch) | 8.71x12.31x0.61 inches (14 inch) 9.77x14.01x0.66 inches (16 inch) |
Weight | 3.4 lbs (14 inch), 4.7 lbs (16 inch) | 3.4 lbs (14 inch), 4.7 lbs (16 inch) |
Colors | Space Black, Silver | Space Black, Silver |
A slightly more expensive alternative
Apple MacBook Air M1: was $999 now $764 @ Best Buy
The MacBook Air offers fantastic performance thanks Apple's M1 chip. We also saw amazing endurance with over 14 hours on our battery test. This laptop features a 13.3-inch Retina display, Apple M1 CPU, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. It's no longer Apple's newest MacBook, but it's an unbeatable deal at this price.
If you don't want to wait for the new MacBook Neo, you can actually get a MacBook Air with an M1 chip for $764 from Best Buy right now.
Here's a look at MacBook Neo



Here are some photos from our hands-on session with the MacBook Neo.
A first look at the iPhone 17e
As part of the hands-on sessions, we're seeing everything Apple has announced this week including the new iPhone 17e.
MacBook vs MacBook Air M1
Until today, one of the most affordable Apple laptops has been the M1 MacBook Air. Now the MacBook Neo is taking the crown of the cheapest MacBook at $599.
With that in mind we put the MacBook Air and the Neo head to head.
Check out our MacBook Neo vs MacBook Air M1 guide.
Apple’s Cheapest MacBook Ever = Problem for Everyone Else
If you enjoy video, check out our YouTube channel where we take a hands-on look at the MacBook Neo.
MacBook deals
If you're not interested in the MacBook Neo because of its lower specs or huge bezels, there are deals to be had on more powerful MacBooks.
None of them are priced as low as the Neo's $599 price, but you are saving a couple of hundred on MacBook Airs and the MacBook Pro. There are also refurbished options available from $759.
Check out all the best MacBook deals here.
Are you interested in the MacBook Neo?
We want to know if the MacBook Neo appeals to you.
Reader David Manzolillo commented that it would be perfect for his wife. "I keep handing down my MacBook Pros to her, but she really doesn't need all that horsepower. I think this might be perfect for her need as a preschool teacher."
So, what about you? Is the Neo the perfect amount of laptop?
Another look at the Neo
Here's another look at the MacBook Neo that shows off some of its features, colors and specs thanks to my colleague Kate Kozuch.
It's looking pretty slick.
iPhone 17e preorders
If you're looking for deals on the iPhone 17e, the big three network carriers are offering pre-order deals, some of which will get you the phone for free.
We're tracking all the iPhone 17e preorder deals you can take advantage of right here.
Apple MacBook Neo: tradeoffs
The MacBook Neo appears to be the best MacBook for most people, but there are tradeoffs. That includes capped RAM, limited ports, and display compromises.
My colleague goes through all the MacBook Neo tradeoffs and whether or not they matter for your purchase.
A brief look at the blush pink iPhone 17e
The iPhone 17e comes in three colors; soft pink, white and black. Here's a quick look at the cheap iPhone in pink.
Come on back
Over the following days and weeks we'll be putting every new device announced Apple through their paces. We have battery tests, performance tests, and day to day use. Full reviews, tips and hands-on impressions will be coming.
So do make sure you have Tom's Guide in your tabs.
Where to pre-order the new MacBook Neo
Anyone looking for an affordable way to get their first MacBook has what they need in the $599 MacBook Neo and the all-new product is available to pre-order now.
The laptop will be widely available starting on March 11. Amazon preorders are live for $599. If you're a student or teacher, you can preorder the MacBook Neo from $499 via the Apple Education Store. Otherwise, I would expect Amazon to offer minor discounts in the coming days.
Amazon's product page for the MacBook Neo is live. As a reminder, Amazon is usually the first retailer to offer dollar-off discounts on new Apple products. However, there are no deals as of the time of this writing. The laptop sports a 13-inch Liquid Retina (2408 x 1506) display, A18 Pro chipset, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, and 1080p FaceTime HD camera. There's also the option to add TouchID and a 512GB SSD for a total price of $699. The 2.7-lb. laptop is available in Indigo, Blush, Citrus, and Silver.
The MacBook Neo is Apple's most affordable Mac. The $599 laptop sports a 13-inch Liquid Retina (2408 x 1506) display, A18 Pro chipset, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, and 1080p FaceTime HD camera. There's also the option to add TouchID and a 512GB SSD for a total price of $699. The 2.7-lb. laptop is available in Indigo, Blush, Citrus, and Silver.
MacBook Neo vs iPad 11 — which $599 device should you buy?
If you walked into an Apple store with $599 burning a hole in your pocket, you could have your pick of the 11-inch iPad (11th generation) and a Magic Keyboard Folio or the new MacBook Neo. Which would you choose?
One is a fully-fledged laptop running on a mobile chip while the other is a versatile tablet that can stand in as a laptop when you need it. In benchmarks and real-world experience, the Neo's A18 Pro with 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU deliver snappier multitasking, faster app launches, and better efficiency. Plus you have the full-fat macOS operating system to hand.
But if you use your device mostly for content consumption, then you may prefer what the iPad has to offer. We've delved into a full breakdown of which one you should get right here.
- Read the full story: MacBook Neo vs. iPad 11: Should you buy Apple's new laptop or mid-range tablet?
MacBook Neo colors are a win, but there's a keyboard drawback
It's great to see Apple having fun with colors again and the new MacBook Neo comes in four bright shades: Blush (pink), Indigo (deep blue), Citrus (yellow), and Silver. A really nice touch (that Apple made sure to point out) is that the keys on each model are color-matched to the chassis. The same is true of the feet on the underside of the device.
The drawback? There's no backlighting. Perhaps most people won't miss it but for me the lack of illumination while typing (especially after dark) is a real disappointment. It's one of the trade-offs Apple had to make to keep that price low.
MacBook Neo divides the internet
As ever when Apple launches a new product, the opinions are divided. Plenty of Apple fans have taken to Reddit to applaud the company for offering a budget-friendly laptop. It's a device that can go toe-to-toe with Google's Chromebooks and Microsoft's low-cost Windows machines.
Of course, not everyone is convinced and critics believe the Neo's 8GB of RAM and 60Hz screen are a pale imitation of what they're able to get for their money elsewhere. And with the current RAM crisis making everything worse, it's understandable to look for the best bargain you can.
Where do you stand? Let us know!
No 9am/6am announcement today
Anyone hoping for a "one more thing" from Apple today will be disappointed. There's been no update on the company's news page of any new products today, March 5. The last three days have seen products drop regularly at 9am ET / 6am PT but today all we've got is a reminder that Apple has the exclusive U.S. rights to the upcoming Formula 1 season.
I had thought there might be an outside chance we could see a new base-level iPad announced today, but it seems Apple is done for the week.
12 excellent MacBook Neo accessories we recommend
If you're one of the people planning on picking up a MacBook Neo for yourself, then you're going to want the right accessories to go with it. That's why we've rounded up the 12 must-have MacBook Neo accessories we recommend.
We've picked out a wide variety of products that compliment Apple's colorful new computer and all without breaking the bank. Well, apart from the AirPods Pro 3. But you're definitely going to want to get yourself a pair of those.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.




