Observe ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The MacBook Neo has been flying off cabinets because it launched in March.
- Apple has a restricted variety of A18 Professional chips used for the Neo.
- It is presently backlogged on Apple’s web site, and that backlog may worsen by summer season.
When I first tested the MacBook Neo in March, it was clear Apple had a compelling product on its palms. Quick ahead a month, and customers appear to agree.
The MacBook Neo is presently backlogged on Apple’s official websitewith orders for brand new gadgets not delivery till mid-Might. The identical could go for in-store pickup, which, relying in your location, may take simply as lengthy: some Apple Shops are citing product arrival dates of Might 11 or later.
Additionally: After using MacBook Neo, it’s clear Windows needs to rethink its PC strategy (and fast)
Apple blew by its preliminary launch provide, and now it’s going through restricted availability of its A18 Professional chips, which aren’t presently in manufacturing. The MacBook Neo continues to be accessible at Walmart and Best Buyhowever customers have been shopping for immediately from Apple to reap the benefits of the $499 educator discountwhich is not accessible at third-party retailers.
Mac simply had its greatest launch week ever for first-time Mac prospects. We love seeing the keenness!
— Tim Prepare dinner (@tim_cook) March 20, 2026
Add this to the truth that demand for the machine has been by the roof — particularly from first-time Mac customers. Former Apple CEO Tim Prepare dinner cited the Neo’s recognition in a latest tweet, saying it was the corporate’s greatest launch week ever.
It is no shock: The worth of the Neo in comparison with equally priced Home windows PCs is a win, particularly as RAM costs proceed to soar.
Plan now for again to highschool
This is the factor: If you happen to’ve been wanting on the Neo for the 2026 college yr, you would possibly wish to spring for it now. With restricted provide and really robust demand, there is not any assure you’d discover a quicker turnaround time this fall.
Whereas we do not know actual numbers, we do know the A18 Professional chips used within the MacBook Neo should not presently in manufacturing, so Apple is sitting on a restricted provide. Columnist and former Bloomberg editor Tim Culpan reported in his “Culpium” newsletter that Apple is flying by its provide of Neos so quick that it may run out of the chips earlier than orders are fulfilled.
Additionally: MacBook Neo review: My biggest concern with Apple’s near-perfect budget laptop
This does not imply Apple will cease promoting the Neo; it may restart manufacturing of the A18 Professional chip, however that may be pricey and doubtlessly eat into revenue margins — margins which are already aggressive for such an inexpensive product.
Alternatively, Apple may launch the subsequent technology of Neos with the five-core A19 Professional chip, however there is not any assure that the worth would stay the identical. Whereas it is unlikely Apple will elevate the worth of the Neo now, it may doubtlessly occur in future fashions.
My recommendation
Seize your Neo now. If you happen to go for the training low cost, plan for the cargo delay, which will likely be simpler now than in the beginning of the college yr. Alternatively, go for the higher-end Neo configuration with the 512GB SSD, which is flying off the cabinets at a (barely) slower charge.
