MacBook Neo 2: early rumours about Apple’s next budget laptop

With the MacBook Neo only just arriving, talk has already shifted to what might come next. Attention is also turning to how well this new kind of Mac sells - and whether it could reshape the laptop market.

MacBook Neo: Apple’s lower-cost Mac takes on Chromebooks and budget Windows PCs

In March, Apple introduced the MacBook Neo. It is a more affordable MacBook that had been rumoured for some time, designed to compete directly with Chromebooks and low-priced Windows PCs. Of course, to reach a starting price of €699, Apple has had to make compromises. For instance, unlike other MacBook models, the MacBook Neo does not use an Apple Silicon “M” chip; instead, it runs on the iPhone-grade A18 Pro.

Even so, Apple reportedly expects this new model to be a big success - which is why the company is said to be planning a second version already. And although the MacBook Neo has only just launched, rumours about the MacBook Neo 2 are already circulating. When it comes to the display, two of the most reliable sources on upcoming Apple products are not fully aligned.

Will the MacBook Neo 2 get a touchscreen?

On one side, analyst Ming Chi Kuo does not rule out a touchscreen for the MacBook Neo 2. On the other, journalist Mark Gurman (Bloomberg) says he strongly doubts that Apple is considering a touchscreen for the next MacBook Neo. At present, the Cupertino firm would supposedly reserve touchscreens for future MacBook Pro models, which could arrive in late 2026 or in 2027. The journalist also notes that adding a touchscreen would affect the cost of the next MacBook Neo.

What could change on the MacBook Neo 2

While still aiming to keep the price accessible, Apple would be expected to offer upgrades with the MacBook Neo 2. Based on what MacRumors has outlined, it seems very likely that Apple would swap the A18 Pro for the A19 Pro in the MacBook Neo line. The company could also increase memory by fitting the MacBook Neo 2 with 12GB of RAM. As always, these details should be treated carefully, since they do not come from an official source.

Sales outlook and the wider PC market impact

From here, observers will be watching MacBook Neo sales closely and what they mean for the broader PC market. In his projections, Ming Chi Kuo believes Apple could ship between 4.5 and 5 million units in 2026. “For a single laptop model, that is still a very high figure,” the analyst says.