Apple May Drop Base $599 MacBook Neo as Chip, DRAM Costs Climb
MacRumors • • technology
Key Points:
- Apple is considering discontinuing the entry-level 256GB MacBook Neo model priced at $599 due to rising component costs, potentially raising the starting price by $100 without changing other configurations.
- This move follows similar recent adjustments where Apple removed lower storage or RAM options from the Mac Studio and Mac mini, driven by high demand and a global memory chip shortage.
- Strong demand for the MacBook Neo has led Apple to double its production target to 10 million units, requiring more A18 Pro chips from TSMC, which faces capacity constraints due to AI-related orders.
- The initial Neo batch used lower-performance A18 Pro chips with one GPU core disabled, but new production runs are expected to use fully functional chips, increasing manufacturing costs.
- If Apple retains the $599 model, it may introduce new color options for the MacBook Neo to offset potential price increases.
