Apple debuts budget MacBook Neo powered by iPhone chip

Apple unveiled the MacBook Neo, an entry-level laptop starting at $599 that runs the A18 Pro chip from its iPhone lineup. It features a 13-inch display, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB or 512GB of storage, plus two USB-C ports, a Magic Keyboard, and a 1080p camera with new side-firing speakers. Tradeoffs include non-upgradable RAM, the 512GB model including Touch ID while the 256GB model does not, no Thunderbolt or MagSafe, and a included 20W charger with no fast charging. Apple’s pricing sits below older M-series models, widening the gap with the higher-end M5 MacBook Air at $1,099.