MacBook Neo Features Two Different USB-C Ports

[MacRumors]

The MacBook Neo's two USB-C ports have two different specifications, with one being limited to USB 2 speeds.

One port is a USB-C 3 port with support for data transfer speeds up to 10 Gb/s, while the other is a USB-C 2 port with support for data transfer speeds up to 480 Mb/s. Both support charging, but only the USB-C 3 port features DisplayPort, so users will need to make sure they are hooked up to the correct port when using an external display.

There is no way to tell them apart externally. The limitation is likely related to the USB controller of the A18 Pro chip. There is also a headphone jack on the device, but there is no MagSafe charging capability or any other ports.

MacBook Neo is available to pre-order starting today, with availability starting on Wednesday, March 11.

Article Link: MacBook Neo Features Two Different USB-C Ports

 

[Mactech20]

I wouldn't have such a big issue with this if they were marked. The fact that you cannot physically tell them apart is terrible. Plenty of people will use the rear port to charge, and plug in their USB 3 flash drive to only get USB 2 speeds. Not the end of the world, but certainly not ideal.

 

[FlyingTexan]

This really shouldn't have been another 13". I was hoping for a smaller Macbook.

 

[Madhatter32]

Wish they would have put a dot or something on the USB-C 3 to let the kids know.

 

[FlyingTexan]

I wouldn't have such a big issue with this if they were marked. The fact that you cannot physically tell them apart is terrible. Plenty of people will use the rear port to charge, and plug in their USB 3 flash drive to only get USB 2 speeds. Not the end of the world, but certainly not ideal.

It's going to crumble nations moving the USB key 1 inch over.

 

[Astuces iOS]

Damn there should be an icon

 

[fenderbass146]

Really needed markings...I know thats against the "Apple" way, but that's just dumb. No issue with it, but should have been marked somehow. That and the fact it can't be upgraded to 16 or even 12 is a deal breaker for many.

 

[MacMikePro]

Should’ve just went with MagSafe and then one USB-C 3 port, but I know this is more versatile and technically better than that. I just think it would’ve been simpler and this might confuse the target demographic.

 

[BGPL]

USB 2.0 is inexcusable. That is really old technology. No Thunderbolt, ok, but USB 2???

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

Only two ports? That's too bad.

 

[beautyहमempty]

The neo does not come with a power adapter, but in FUN colors

 

[kaspurr]

This really shouldn't have been another 13". I was hoping for a smaller Macbook.

They could have done so many things, 11" Macbook Air refresh with a better screen, relaunching the 12" Macbook with the A18 Pro chip. This system didn't even need 2 ports if one is gonna be crippled like that and still need adapters to fit USB-A which is what most USB 2 devices are.

 

[vanishing]

USB 2.0 in 2026

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I wonder if the usb 3 port can run an external display?

 

[twistedpixel8]

I wonder if the usb 3 port can run an external display?

Of course it will, it supports DisplayPort.

 

[con2apple]

USB 2.0 in 2026

Hey, will you please think about my Apple shares?!

 

[diego.caraballo]

 

[swrobel]

and let me guess: they aren’t labeled

 

[Lioness~]

This really shouldn't have been another 13". I was hoping for a smaller Macbook.

I already have a MBA 13'6 - if this one it was a 11-12' I could' e bought one for the size.
Sorry Timmy, no money from me here.

 

[Macalway]

Weak specs, great price.

 

[Jill Sandwich]

Ah so THAT's why they offer the Satechi dongle as an add-on item.

 

[JPack]

The PC side has been dealing for years with fake USB-C ports on cheap notebooks that do data-only.

Since both of these ports on Neo at least support charging, it’ll be fine. At this price point, few are connecting a monitor on both ports.

 

[B4U]

[sarcasm]Guess Apple went low on the price so that the users can get a label maker to mark the ports. [/sarcasm]
(Low price by Apple standards...)😅
Still bad decision on Apple's side for sure!

 

[svish]

Ports should have been clearly marked. USB 2 speeds are low. Extremely disappointing. Lack of MagSafe is also bad.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Of course it will, it supports DisplayPort.

Is that part of the USB-c 3 spec, or does it specifically have to enabled by mfg? I can't find anything about it.