Apple’s cheapest MacBook? “MacBook Neo” reportedly debuts in China with A18 Pro, no notch, from 4,599 yuan

A budget MacBook with an iPhone-class chip

Apple has reportedly launched a new entry-level laptop called the MacBook Neo in China, priced from 4,599 yuan (about $640), according to ITHome (IT之家). The device is said to use Apple’s A18 Pro processor—the same class of chip found in recent iPhone Pro models—and features a display without the controversial notch. Apple has not officially announced the product; details, including final specifications and regional availability, remain unconfirmed.

Why it matters

If accurate, the MacBook Neo would mark a dramatic price shift for Apple’s notebook line in China, well below typical MacBook Air pricing. It would also be a notable departure in silicon strategy: Apple’s Macs have used M‑series chips since 2020, while A‑series parts power iPhones. Why put an iPhone-class SoC in a Mac? Cost, simplicity, and sufficient performance for everyday tasks are likely drivers—especially for students and first-time buyers. A notch-less display would also signal a design turn after years of embracing the cutout on higher-end MacBooks.

Competitive and geopolitical context

China’s PC market is intensely price competitive, led by domestic champions such as Lenovo (联想), Huawei (华为), and Xiaomi (小米), which have been pushing thin-and-light laptops and, increasingly, ARM-based designs. A sub-5,000 yuan MacBook could be Apple’s answer to that pressure amid softer demand for its hardware in China. Geopolitics looms in the background: while U.S. export controls primarily target advanced AI chips rather than consumer processors, Apple’s reliance on TSMC’s Taiwan-made silicon and complex China-centered supply chains keeps the company exposed to policy and trade frictions.

What to watch

Key unknowns reportedly include memory and storage configurations, screen size, ports, and whether MacBook Neo will remain China-only or see a broader release. Equally important is how A18 Pro performance and thermals stack up against Apple’s M‑series Macs in macOS workloads. If the reports hold, the Neo could redefine Apple’s low end—and test whether a cheaper, notch-free Mac can win back share in the world’s most competitive PC market.