Apple’s new MacBook Neo might be its cheapest laptop yet, but that lower price comes with one notable compromise. There’s only a single RAM configuration available, and it’s stuck at 8GB.
According to Apple’s specs, the MacBook Neo ships with 8GB of memory and no option to upgrade. This makes it the only current Mac in the lineup that doesn’t start with 16GB.
Apple moved the MacBook Air to 16GB as the base configuration in October 2024. Therefore, the Neo now stands apart as the company’s only laptop with less memory.
SQUIRREL_PLAYLIST_10208291
The decision appears tied to the Neo’s aggressive $599 starting price. This price is significantly lower than any other Mac notebook currently on sale. Meanwhile, with memory prices rising and supply still tight across the industry, sticking to a single 8GB configuration helps Apple keep costs down.
Despite the modest RAM, the MacBook Neo still runs on Apple’s A18 Pro chip. This is the same processor used in the iPhone 16 Pro. That means the laptop supports Apple Intelligence features, including the company’s growing suite of AI tools. In theory, it should handle most everyday tasks comfortably. For example: web browsing, writing, schoolwork and even some light photo or video editing.
Still, the fixed memory could become a sticking point over time. As Apple continues to expand its AI features and software capabilities, systems with limited RAM may start to feel the strain. This could happen sooner than with machines with more headroom.
For now, the MacBook Neo seems clearly positioned as an entry-level Mac for students and casual users. It is not aimed at power users like many of the options in our best laptops guide. If you’re mainly browsing the web, streaming, and working on documents, 8GB will likely do the job. But anyone hoping to keep their laptop for many years — or push heavier workloads — may want to think carefully. This is especially true before locking into a configuration that can’t be upgraded later.
The MacBook Neo is available to pre-order now, starting at $599.
