Will the base model Neo vanish like the lower-cost Mac mini version? The MacBook Neo might lose its main attraction due to the ongoing RAM shortage. Analyst Tim Culpan suggests Apple may discontinue the budget $599 base model of the Neo, leaving only the $699 version with 512GB storage. Recently, Apple stopped selling the cheapest Mac mini option, raising its starting price to $799. Earlier, Apple removed the 512GB RAM option for the Mac Studio, likely due to RAM shortages.
Ironically, the MacBook Neo may see similar pricing adjustments following its initial success. The Neo launched as RAM shortages caused price hikes for other laptops, and it’s been so popular there’s a two to three-week wait on Apple’s website. In response, Culpan notes Apple is ramping up Neo production to 10 million units, up from the initial 5-6 million.
The first batch of Neos used A18 Pro chips from the iPhone 16 Pro leftovers, but more will be needed for the next Neos. The increased production of A18 Pro chips alongside rising costs due to RAM shortages will make producing the next set of MacBook Neos pricier, likely impacting consumers.