Get a ¥700 subsidy when your old device is appraised at ¥200 or more: MacBook Neo on JD.com (京东) from ¥3,909 after national subsidy

Deal and subsidy

It has been reported that JD.com (京东) is running a national trade‑in promotion for Apple (苹果) devices that can cut the price of the new MacBook Neo dramatically. Officially the MacBook Neo starts at ¥4,599. After JD.com's national subsidy the price can fall to as low as ¥3,909, and education discounts can bring the starting price to ¥3,399. Reportedly, if a user’s old device is appraised at ¥200 or more JD will add an extra trade‑in bonus of roughly ¥500–¥700, with the exact amount varying by account.

Product and positioning

The MacBook Neo is a 13‑inch, aluminum‑bodied notebook aimed at price‑conscious buyers who might otherwise choose a Chromebook or low‑end Windows laptop. It uses Apple’s A18 Pro chip — the same family used in the iPhone 16 Pro — and adopts a fanless design for silent operation. Apple pitches this model as an entry point for users who want a Mac but were previously deterred by price.

Specs and design

Key specs include a 13‑inch Liquid Retina display (2408×1506, 500 nits, support for 1 billion colors), dual USB‑C ports, Dolby Atmos‑capable stereo speakers, a 1080p webcam, dual microphones, and a 3.5mm headphone jack; some higher‑end SKUs also include Touch ID. The machine weighs 1.23 kg, offers up to 16 hours of battery life, supports Wi‑Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6.0, and — notably — does not include MagSafe charging. Apple also touts colorful finishes, calling them the most vibrant MacBook hues since the 1999 iBook G3.

Market and policy context

Why the aggressive pricing and subsidies? China’s major e‑commerce platforms routinely bundle manufacturer and platform subsidies to spur consumption, and tech makers are testing lower price points to broaden appeal amid competitive pressure. Will a cheaper, fanless Mac win converts from Chromebooks and low‑end Windows PCs? That remains to be seen — but JD’s trade‑in bonus and national subsidy make the MacBook Neo a much more accessible option in China right now.