Is the MacBook Neo a good thing for the Air?

[Tyrannosaurs]

You really think Apple will delete the Air and create a huge gap between $599 and $1,699?

The difference between Neo, Air, and Pro remain the same. It's performance, display, and ports. There's very noticeable differences between the three.

It's a fair point, but when it comes to consumer needs, I do think that the Neo takes away a lot of the bottom end.

I wonder if you get a Neo range costing $600 to $1000 and a Pro range costing $1200 up. Or maybe the Pro range needs to get more Pro?

Just think that the number of users in the "need more than a Neo but less than a Pro" space might not be that big?

 

[JPack]

It's a fair point, but when it comes to consumer needs, I do think that the Neo takes away a lot of the bottom end.

I wonder if you get a Neo range costing $600 to $1000 and a Pro range costing $1200 up. Or maybe the Pro range needs to get more Pro?

Just think that the number of users in the "need more than a Neo but less than a Pro" space might not be that big?

By the time Neo reaches $1,000, it will become MacBook Air. Apple deleted a bunch of features and options to keep the price $599.

Right now, the picture looks something like this:


I'd expect the Neo to transform the sales mix to this with the Neo representing iPad and iPad mini:

 

[kepler20b]

I think so


it will be important to see how the a18 chip ages with subsequent macOS updates.


Because apple would never allow the a series chips to age as well as the m series in macOS. that would completely kill the air.


under m series, avg consumer is upgrading every 4-5 years probably, average sale price $1700 or so??
with neo, if they can get people to upgrade every 2-3 years at $599 a clip

apple will have lots of revenue growth by forcing ppl to buy more, sooner while not completely intruding on existing m-series sales.

 

[Technerd108]

I think from a consumer standpoint the Neo is great. A major company like Apple offering a value product that disrupts current offerings in that space is a great thing because it forces everyone to compete even more.

Let's face it, Google and MS OEM's don't have much competition at the low end. You either have a Chromebook for cheap or a decent compromised Windows laptop. For $600 you can get a decent Windows laptops but it will have some big compromises like screen brightness and color accuracy, plastic, etc. Generally you will still get more ram(windows) and storage(windows) but other specs suffer. Most all $600 Windows laptops have backlit keyboards and even $400 Chromebooks do. So the Neo is a good compromise device that is a lot better in terms of screen quality, build quality and performance and battery life. All in a very nice package.

I think it will force Google and Chromebook and Windows OEM's to offer more for less to compete. The problem is that generally the quality of Apple software is where things start to take off for Apple. A Chromebook can't really compete with a Mac even with Linux support and Windows has its pluses and minuses but in general most average non gamers will prefer Mac software. Add an iPhone or iPad and then the software gets even better.

All of this to say that now at the low end there is competition from a big player where it didn't exist and this only benefits consumers as the competition offers more for less.

This will inevitably flow up to the Air. In fact, I think that the Neo and Air stand to gain the most features to stay competitive and depending on your needs offer most people the most value and further segments the line into more distinctive categories. The air actually has a better position than it did before. I really wish they would just drop the air name and call it a MacBook.

Then you have the MacBook Neo, The MacBook, and MacBook Pro. Much cleaner line to me. Now make the base iPad the iPad Neo, replace iPad Air with iPad, and the iPad Pro. iPhone 17 N(e)o, iPhone, iPhone pro. I like symmetry.

 

[Bazza1]

A friend of mine with a a honkin' big 16" MacBook Pro M1 is considering picking up a Neo to use as his daily mobile device - toss into a bag, use on a lap, at cafes, etc - and keeping the Pro as his desktop unit.
Totally get it. Same price (or cheaper) than some iPads - but with a real (and compatible) OS.

 

[KPOM]

That may be true, but if the posts and threads in the NEO forum are any indicator, then I'd say that people are opting for the NEO over other Mac laptops.

Obviously Apple knows there will be some cannibalization but wants to minimize that. I think the next redesign of the Air (rumored for 2028) will be significant. Since they don’t need to hit $999 anymore, perhaps they make the new Air thinner and lighter making it the “ultraportable” again. When the Neo gets upgraded to the A19 Pro or A20 Pro, Apple has two ways of differentiating the Neo from the Air. They can either keep the Neo’s RAM at 8GB, or assuming they boost the RAM to 12GB they can add more premium features to the Air. OLED is one, of course, but so would be a lighter form factor (something <2.5 lbs).

 

[KPOM]

It's a fair point, but when it comes to consumer needs, I do think that the Neo takes away a lot of the bottom end.

I wonder if you get a Neo range costing $600 to $1000 and a Pro range costing $1200 up. Or maybe the Pro range needs to get more Pro?

Just think that the number of users in the "need more than a Neo but less than a Pro" space might not be that big?

That’s how the iPad has shaken out. The best sellers are the base iPad and the iPad Pro.

 

[snipr125]

I think from a consumer standpoint the Neo is great. A major company like Apple offering a value product that disrupts current offerings in that space is a great thing because it forces everyone to compete even more.

Let's face it, Google and MS OEM's don't have much competition at the low end. You either have a Chromebook for cheap or a decent compromised Windows laptop. For $600 you can get a decent Windows laptops but it will have some big compromises like screen brightness and color accuracy, plastic, etc. Generally you will still get more ram(windows) and storage(windows) but other specs suffer. Most all $600 Windows laptops have backlit keyboards and even $400 Chromebooks do. So the Neo is a good compromise device that is a lot better in terms of screen quality, build quality and performance and battery life. All in a very nice package.

I think it will force Google and Chromebook and Windows OEM's to offer more for less to compete. The problem is that generally the quality of Apple software is where things start to take off for Apple. A Chromebook can't really compete with a Mac even with Linux support and Windows has its pluses and minuses but in general most average non gamers will prefer Mac software. Add an iPhone or iPad and then the software gets even better.

All of this to say that now at the low end there is competition from a big player where it didn't exist and this only benefits consumers as the competition offers more for less.

This will inevitably flow up to the Air. In fact, I think that the Neo and Air stand to gain the most features to stay competitive and depending on your needs offer most people the most value and further segments the line into more distinctive categories. The air actually has a better position than it did before. I really wish they would just drop the air name and call it a MacBook.

Then you have the MacBook Neo, The MacBook, and MacBook Pro. Much cleaner line to me. Now make the base iPad the iPad Neo, replace iPad Air with iPad, and the iPad Pro. iPhone 17 N(e)o, iPhone, iPhone pro. I like symmetry.

They will never drop the Macbook Air moniker, it is literally one of their most iconic names and design.

 

[Pantelaias]

I wonder if the introduction of the killer value that is the Neo is a sign for good things to come for the Air.

Apple makes money by upselling; it's basic economics. They are going to potentially leave money on the table if potential Air buyers opt for the Neo instead. Right now, it's arguable that the Neo is 80-90% of the Air at roughly 50% of the cost.

I wonder if Apple's goal with the next MacBook Air redesign is to push potential Neo customers to the Air.

Some potential features that could do that:

-Promotion display
-Touchscreen display
-Mini-LED display (with the Pro going OLED)
-Smaller bezels & footprint over the existing design (especially the bottom bezel)
-Removal of notch
-Make the Air lighter than the Neo
-Even thinner than it is today
-5G connectivity options
-Increased battery capacity (Sodium-ion?)


What do you all think?

I think if they make a modern day 12'' MacBook and be on the air line it would be so good

 

[satchmo]

Having just seen the MacBook Neo for the first time in person today, I can see why there’s been so much hype and love for the machine. It’s attractive, and feels great in the hand with the more rounded edges, albeit a bit heavy.

What I hope it brings to the Air, are the Neo’s even uniform bezels and custom coloured keyboard.

I find the Air’s all black keyboard too contrasty especially against the lighter coloured models like silverlight and light blue. I’d love to see medium or dark grey keys in the future (one thing the Microsoft Surface does right).

And hopefully one day we’ll finally get a notch free MacBook Air. For some it’s not a big deal but, it just looks like ass to me. Using an app to “remove” it just makes it look like some cheap Windows laptop.
A thin uniform bezel just looks proper and premium.

 

[FrozenDarkness]

i wish neo will bring better colors to the air. the colors for air are so boring.

 

[Technerd108]

i wish neo will bring better colors to the air. the colors for air are so boring.

Totally agree. And the Pro models are even worse.

I get Pro means professional but that doesn't mean you just want boring.

Apple used to have bright neon plastics and I guess they thought that was business ready so why not bright colors on the air and Pro?

 

[1BadManVan]

Totally agree. And the Pro models are even worse.

I get Pro means professional but that doesn't mean you just want boring.

Apple used to have bright neon plastics and I guess they thought that was business ready so why not bright colors on the air and Pro?

I personally prefer neutral colours but I definitely understand the appeal for others and agree they should offer more choice for those wanting it. Luckily you can buy skins from the companies like Dbrand to really personalize it to make it your own for a pretty low price, plus the bonus of protecting it underneath for resale

 

[Technerd108]

I personally prefer neutral colours but I definitely understand the appeal for others and agree they should offer more choice for those wanting it. Luckily you can buy skins from the companies like Dbrand to really personalize it to make it your own for a pretty low price, plus the bonus of protecting it underneath for resale

Skins are great but nothing like a clean anodized aluminum finish.😉

Of course, all I am saying is more choice. Always keep the classic silver and space black, rip space grey which sucked in my personal opinion as all most people who liked space grey just wanted black. But at least grey was cool at the time and a choice other than silver.

The skins also can't cover all surfaces so depending on the difference between the skin color and color of the MacBook it can cause issues. Sometimes after a couple years the adhesive can be problematic.

Think of the spectrum of cool colors Apple could add to their line up of MacBooks while keeping the classics.

 

[1BadManVan]

Skins are great but nothing like a clean anodized aluminum finish.😉

Of course, all I am saying is more choice. Always keep the classic silver and space black, rip space grey which sucked in my personal opinion as all most people who liked space grey just wanted black.

The skins also can't cover all surfaces so depending on the difference between the skin color and color of the MacBook it can cause issues. Sometimes after a couple years the adhesive can be problematic.

I've never used a skin myself as I love the natural silver look, so much that I ordered the same colour again for my M5 lol. When I sold my M2, it still looked brand new and it sold within a day to a very happy buyer.

 

[Technerd108]

I've never used a skin myself as I love the natural silver look, so much that I ordered the same colour again for my M5 lol. When I sold my M2, it still looked brand new and it sold within a day to a very happy buyer.

I am jealous of your newer MacBook Air. 😇

I will be keeping my M2 until it feels like molasses or they stop updating it. Whichever comes first. Lol

Hopefully whenever the time comes I will likewise have a happy buyer or happy trade.

I am seriously considering the Neo in the future.

 

[KPOM]

Totally agree. And the Pro models are even worse.

I get Pro means professional but that doesn't mean you just want boring.

Apple used to have bright neon plastics and I guess they thought that was business ready so why not bright colors on the air and Pro?

I think Starlight and Sky Blue would be appropriate on the MacBook Pro. The latter in particular is sharp and stands out from other business notebooks.

The Air was previously offered in “Rose Gold” so could get Blush in a future update.

 

[1BadManVan]

I am jealous of your newer MacBook Air. 😇

I will be keeping my M2 until it feels like molasses or they stop updating it. Whichever comes first. Lol

Hopefully whenever the time comes I will likewise have a happy buyer or happy trade.

I am seriously considering the Neo in the future.

I was in the same boat with my m2 air, it honestly ran just fine for my needs but I just don't trust the way the prices are going and how long it's going to last. So when I seen apple release the latest MacBook for the almost the same price (better honestly with double the storage for only $100 compared to usually $200 more from last year) I decided to jump now rather than feel the inevitable price pinch that's coming down the pipeline

Plus sold my M2 for $900, a few ram kits and boom, new m5 without any money out of pocket lol

 

[Technerd108]

I was in the same boat with my m2 air, it honestly ran just fine for my needs but I just don't trust the way the prices are going and how long it's going to last. So when I seen apple release the latest MacBook for the almost the same price (better honestly with double the storage for only $100 compared to usually $200 more from last year) I decided to jump now rather than feel the inevitable price pinch that's coming down the pipeline

Plus sold my M2 for $900, a few ram kits and boom, new m5 without any money out of pocket lol

Yeah, I feel the same way. I have $200 in Apple gift cards plus I can sell my M2 and can probably get $700 or so.

So it gets me close. If I want to use the gift cards I have to buy from Apple direct. I could get a Neo with touch id with no money but my air is still better so I am waiting.

However I feel like a redesign of the air and pro or major hardware upgrades are coming soon so all the macs from the generation without will be discounted and then I will probably buy.

 

[1BadManVan]

Yeah, I feel the same way. I have $200 in Apple gift cards plus I can sell my M2 and can probably get $700 or so.

So it gets me close. If I want to use the gift cards I have to buy from Apple direct. I could get a Neo with touch id with no money but my air is still better so I am waiting.

However I feel like a redesign of the air and pro or major hardware upgrades are coming soon so all the macs from the generation without will be discounted and then I will probably buy.

Hopefully, I just worry the incoming price increasing will swallow up any value and savings. I hope I'm wrong, but I wasn't willing to bet money on it lol

 

[throAU]

-Promotion display
-Touchscreen display
-Mini-LED display (with the Pro going OLED)
-Smaller bezels & footprint over the existing design (especially the bottom bezel)
-Removal of notch
-Make the Air lighter than the Neo
-Even thinner than it is today
-5G connectivity options
-Increased battery capacity (Sodium-ion?)


What do you all think?

I think all of those are likely eventually with a removal of the baseline M-base pro model.

Air will bump in cost to somewhere between where it is now and where baseline MacBook Pro model is. I.e., the air is going to go a little upmarket once the Neo gets 12-16 GB of RAM.

The Neo will (already has) take the place of the MBA v2 (2010 ish release time) as an entry level machine and the Air will move up (already has somewhat).

 

[Technerd108]

Hopefully, I just worry the incoming price increasing will swallow up and value and savings. I hope I'm wrong, but I wasn't willing to bet money on it lol

I think you are right and the Neo is confirmation prices may be going up

I wonder if the introduction of the killer value that is the Neo is a sign for good things to come for the Air.

Apple makes money by upselling; it's basic economics. They are going to potentially leave money on the table if potential Air buyers opt for the Neo instead. Right now, it's arguable that the Neo is 80-90% of the Air at roughly 50% of the cost.

I wonder if Apple's goal with the next MacBook Air redesign is to push potential Neo customers to the Air.

Some potential features that could do that:

-Promotion display
-Touchscreen display
-Mini-LED display (with the Pro going OLED)
-Smaller bezels & footprint over the existing design (especially the bottom bezel)
-Removal of notch
-Make the Air lighter than the Neo
-Even thinner than it is today
-5G connectivity options
-Increased battery capacity (Sodium-ion?)


What do you all think?

I have no want for a touchscreen on a Mac but everything else sounds like the perfect Mac for me. Let the Pro's have OLED and I will happily take mini led. I doubt Apple would ever use mini led again unless they can develop micro led for less than OLED costs. It seems they are abandoning their own tech? I prefer mini led to OLED in terms of white balance and color accuracy. The halo effect on mini led is a small price to get OLED blacks and better colors and brightness and if they developed micro led it would solve that issue.

Apple would then have their own proprietary screen tech instead of using Samsung?

But all the other specs would make the perfect air.

Hopefully next gens of the Neo will get a P3 true tone LCD screen and backlit keys on the keyboard. Then the entire line would be pretty hard to compete with. Why buy a cheap Windows laptop or a premium one when the tech in MacBooks is superior and proprietary and priced right in entry, mid, high end.