Still mourning the 12” MacBook—Apple’s best and only true ultrabook

[chars1ub0w]

To be clear, they don’t need to see it. It isn’t that they couldn’t. It isn’t a skill issue. It’s that they chose not to.

Okay, then. Another enterprising software DIY'er should try to install macOS and get it working on the same A18 Pro processor on an iPad. (Maybe the same Linux guys who got Asahi Linux working.) I'll take a macOS iPad then!

 

[jeremydc]

I'd rather buy a used M3 for that price.

 

[ignatius345]

Best? That thing would thermally throttle if you looked at it wrong - never mind actually trying to use it.

That’s the tragedy of Intel. It kind of makes it worse to know Apple Silicon could make that machine totally viable.

 

[Funny Apple Man]

This is a cope from me lol, but I hope a future redesigned Neo will be the ultra-slim 12 inch design.

 

[Malus120]

Add me to the list of the disappointed. I wanted a modern 12 MacBook, and instead we got a cut-down 13" MBA.
I basically drafted the same post before realizing you'd beat me to the punch.

To paraphrase what I wrote:
+ The price point, build quality, performance, colors (citrus!)
- RAM/Storage/USB2(!) in 2026
The dealbreaker: At just over 2lb, the rMB is feather lite compared to this 2.7lb (relative) brick.

I do think it will sell well, but it has very little appeal beyond price and no functional differentiation.
Ugh. This sucks. Probably would've bought two 🙁

 

[loby]

It’s a little surprising that they couldn’t make it a bit lighter since the battery is smaller than in the MacBook Air. Perhaps it’s a little sturdier than the Air. I wasn’t expecting them to bring back the 12” factor, but thought they would either reuse the M1 wedge design or the current Air design. It is a new chassis, albeit similar to the current Air design.

It seems Apple change the design of the wedge just to make it seem new in design instead of practicality when the M2 came out and forward. I don't mine the design, but my wrists hurt if I type too long. the edge of the now non-wedge MacBook Air now when laying my hand/wrist on the side edge is uncomfortable.

the spirit of Jobs would probably say: "Your typing wrong.."

I think the MacBook 12" is RIP and may not come back...UNLESS Apple named the budge laptop "MacBook Neo" because they in the future will have another "MacBook" at some time in the future.

I hope that is the case.

 

[Basic75]

"Only true Ultrabook"? According to the history of things the MacBook Air is the O.G. Ultrabook!

 

[4sallypat]

Add me to the list of the disappointed. I wanted a modern 12 MacBook, and instead we got a cut-down 13" MBA.
I basically drafted the same post before realizing you'd beat me to the punch.

To paraphrase what I wrote:
+ The price point, build quality, performance, colors (citrus!)
- RAM/Storage/USB2(!) in 2026
The dealbreaker: At just over 2lb, the rMB is feather lite compared to this 2.7lb (relative) brick.

I do think it will sell well, but it has very little appeal beyond price and no functional differentiation.
Ugh. This sucks. Probably would've bought two 🙁

For me, I am shocked that Apple was able to make the 13" Neo footprint (size dimensions) literally the same as my 12" rMB!

All I am getting this is for travel and to fit the tray tables of my travel transports - airplane, trains, hotels, etc....

For the EDU price of $499, it's a steal IMO and I won't have to cry so hard should it get damaged or stolen - unlike my beloved $1300 i5 rMB...

 

[AlexESP]

And it’s not just about the 12” MacBook. Originally, the MacBook Air had the same spirit: no price compromises when it comes to using the best technology, just compromises in order to achieve thinness and lightness (oversimplified, but basically it was like that).

On the iPad, the drop of that “Air spirit” is very evident because the iPad Pro is thinner. And when it comes to the Mac, the same is happing, but it’s hidden by the fact that the MacBook Pro needs to be necessarily thicker.

So they can still promote the MacBook Air as “the thin and light alternative” instead of “bringing Pro features to a reduced price point”. But when you use a MacBook Air, you can feel they’re trying to optimise for price.

 

[537635]

This is a good point.

Albeit the iPhone Air would count as "using the best technology, just compromises in order to achieve thinness and lightness".

 

[4sallypat]

This is a good point.

Albeit the iPhone Air would count as "using the best technology, just compromises in order to achieve thinness and lightness".

My iPhone Air is not a compromise as I never use the camera nor pro features.

It's the thin, light and easier to hold in my arthritic hands cellphone.

 

[Takoyaki]

For me, I am shocked that Apple was able to make the 13" Neo footprint (size dimensions) literally the same as my 12" rMB!

All I am getting this is for travel and to fit the tray tables of my travel transports - airplane, trains, hotels, etc....

For the EDU price of $499, it's a steal IMO and I won't have to cry so hard should it get damaged or stolen - unlike my beloved $1300 i5 rMB...

It's still only about halfway between the current 13" Air and the old 12" in terms of footprint. Hoping the thicker chassis makes it sturdier than the Air.

 

[chars1ub0w]

AOn the iPad, the drop of that “Air spirit” is very evident because the iPad Pro is thinner.

I was thinking it could be because they are on different release cadences.
But, as the Air was just updated, that's not true - i.e., you are right.
The big differentiator seems to be that the Pro has the M5 and good screen, the Air the M4 and less capable screen.

 

[turbineseaplane]

The Neo is half the price of the old MacBook 12 inch.

And it shows.

Thankfully there was an internal push 12-ish years ago to move the 12” rMB up market a bit.

 

[turbineseaplane]

And it’s not just about the 12” MacBook. Originally, the MacBook Air had the same spirit: no price compromises when it comes to using the best technology, just compromises in order to achieve thinness and lightness (oversimplified, but basically it was like that).

On the iPad, the drop of that “Air spirit” is very evident because the iPad Pro is thinner. And when it comes to the Mac, the same is happing, but it’s hidden by the fact that the MacBook Pro needs to be necessarily thicker.

So they can still promote the MacBook Air as “the thin and light alternative” instead of “bringing Pro features to a reduced price point”. But when you use a MacBook Air, you can feel they’re trying to optimise for price.

We have to remember that they tried to move on from the Air branding and the consumers revolted.

It now only sticks around because it has such an amazing legacy and folks remember how much they loved their MacBook Airs from the early 2010s.

 

[thistleknife]

According to the history of things the MacBook Air is the O.G. Ultrabook!

I wish. It’s too large for the title, I know I’ve been using it for years.

 

[macaddiict]

Am I the only weirdo excited to snap up a few more 12" MacBooks soon on eBay for ... shockingly good prices?

IIRC these 12" MacBooks were priced extremely premium for the specs, the Neo is kind of the opposite but still pretty dang lightweight!

I still also wonder why the Asus Chromebook c100p / c101p series didn't continue. Those are right under 2lbs and were awesome 2-in-1s

 

[rb2112]

For me, I am shocked that Apple was able to make the 13" Neo footprint (size dimensions) literally the same as my 12" rMB!

The footprint is not literally the same! I think that is one of the biggest reasons the OP created this thread. The difference of ~0.5"(~1.5cm) in both dimensions and 25% less weight is what makes the MB12" nearly pocketable.

2017 MB 12" --- 2.03 lbs
11.04 x 7.74 x 0.52(0.14) inches
11.71 x 8.12 x 0.50 inches
2026 MB Neo --- 2.70 lbs


2017 MB 12" --- 0.92 kg
28.05 x 19.65 x 1.31(0.35) cm
29.75 x 20.64 x 1.27 cm
2026 MB Neo --- 1.23 kg

 

[4sallypat]

Am I the only weirdo excited to snap up a few more 12" MacBooks soon on eBay for ... shockingly good prices?

IIRC these 12" MacBooks were priced extremely premium for the specs, the Neo is kind of the opposite but still pretty dang lightweight!

I still also wonder why the Asus Chromebook c100p / c101p series didn't continue. Those are right under 2lbs and were awesome 2-in-1s

Yup, you are.

I will be selling my 12" rMB on eBay as soon as I decide on keeping the Neo.

Having 14 days to decide - will put it thru the paces before selling mine.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I believe that at this point in time, we lovers of the 12” MB need let go of the dream of a rebirth and make peace with what is. I realize a lot of people will disagree with me but, I believe the closest thing we have to a pro MB would be the 13” iPad Pro (M4 or M5). It is very portable, offers a wonderful screen, plenty of storage, and cellular use. Granted iPadOS is not Mac OS but, for a lot of people, using an iPad Pro as one’s main computer (or even casual mobile use) is very doable, even though there may be a little friction at times (due to apps etc).

I would love to see a modern 12” MB pro model and I would pay good money for one but, I just don’t think that that is the market desire (as a whole) in today’s world.

 

[4sallypat]

I believe that at this point in time, we lovers of the 12” MB need let go of the dream of a rebirth and make peace with what is. I realize a lot of people will disagree with me but, I believe the closest thing we have to a pro MB would be the 13” iPad Pro (M4 or M5). It is very portable, offers a wonderful screen, plenty of storage, and cellular use. Granted iPadOS is not Mac OS but, for a lot of people, using an iPad Pro as one’s main computer (or even casual mobile use) is very doable, even though there may be a little friction at times (due to apps etc).

I would love to see a modern 12” MB pro model and I would pay good money or one but, I just don’t think that that is the market desire (as a whole) in today’s world.

Agree!

After having 2 12" rMB and still use the i5 rMB since 2017, I'd say I was happy while it lasted.

Looking forward to this Neo!

 

[Andain]

Yes, like a number of folks I’m sad that the Neo turned out to have nothing to do with a 12” MacBook replacement. It always seemed a longshot—everything said it was budget all the way, and to be honest, I would rather they make a good budget laptop than a half-assed small laptop. And I have no complaints about the Neo—I think it’s great they hit that price point, and I am hopeful it sells a ton to new folks.

The tragedy is that Apple hasn’t yet given us an Apple Silicon 12” Macbook replacement.

The 12” Macbook weighs 2.03 lbs—so light that it passes some line and becomes ultra portable in a way the 2.7 lbs MacBook Air can’t even dream of. It is still my favorite laptop to use out in the world. I have the fastest final version of it, which now nearly a decade old—it is usable still, though can’t handle big demands being made of it, and in my new Apple Silicon life it is becoming a museum piece.

It’s hard being in love with a lost product. And to add insult to injury, this forum changed the name of the Macbook forum to Macbook Neo, erasing that they were ever here.

But many of us remember. These days my ultraprotable needs are filled by a iPad Pro M4 in a Magic Keyboard case…which adds up to 2.25 lbs. iPadOS 26 makes it…okay. But in terms of feel and shape and using full fat MacOS, it still can’t beat a 12” MacBook.

After the Neo event I kind off decided to buy yours. The fully loaded i7/16ram 2017.
How do you like yours. Interested in using it as an “email machine”/chromebook.

Does it run youtube in 4k ?

 

[Malus120]

For me, I am shocked that Apple was able to make the 13" Neo footprint (size dimensions) literally the same as my 12" rMB!

For the EDU price of $499, it's a steal IMO and I won't have to cry so hard should it get damaged or stolen - unlike my beloved $1300 i5 rMB...

IMHO the footprint is actually noticeably larger, but, it's the MBA footprint which already works as a "thin and light" for a lot of people. I'm happy to hear it's a good fit for you, and agree that the pricing, especially for EDU is attractive.

The footprint is not literally the same! I think that is one of the biggest reasons the OP created this thread. The difference of ~0.5"(~1.5cm) in both dimensions and 25% less weight is what makes the MB12" nearly pocketable.

"Nearly pocketable" really does describe exactly what made the rMB so special. It fits in spaces other laptops won't, and it's much less of a strain to carry all day than even a 13" MBA.

I believe that at this point in time, we lovers of the 12” MB need let go of the dream of a rebirth and make peace with what is. I believe the closest thing we have to a pro MB would be the 13” iPad Pro. I would love to see a modern 12” MB pro but I just don’t think that that is the market desire (as a whole) in today’s world.

I'm of two minds on this. OTOH, I've grudgingly made peace with it just not being something Apple seems very interested in doing anymore. I love my slightly chonky 14" MBP for the portable powerhouse that it is.

However, I really disagree that there's no market for it today. If anything I think the market for such a device would be far larger today than it was when the rMB was introduced. The rMB was a wonderful, but also compromised device. It was expensive for what it was (until they went on fire-sale), the performance was anemic, USB-C was still in its infancy, having only one port was a PITA, and the butterfly keyboard was problematic. All of this inevitably had a negative impact on the number of people who were willing to buy in at full price.

With the MacBook Neo, we can see that all of those problems are now solvable. $499~$599 is a killer price, and even if it had to be a bit higher for a smaller chassis, it'd still be very competitive, A18 Pro is a strong performer, USB-C is now widespread, two ports are feasible, and no more need for a butterfly keyboard (and even if they had to use one, they've now fixed the design flaws earlier models had.) There is ample evidence that strong consumer demand still exists for compact, lightweight devices like this. Anecdotally at least, I know a fair number of people, like my significant other, for whom an iPad is inadequate, but a MBA (or Neo) is much larger/heavier than they'd like.

 

[Takoyaki]

After the Neo event I kind off decided to buy yours. The fully loaded i7/16ram 2017.
How do you like yours. Interested in using it as an “email machine”/chromebook.

Does it run youtube in 4k ?

Not the exact same, but I had an i5/16GB 2017. Handled everything fine with some patience, don't remember having any issues with video playback. I'll say the processor becomes an issue long before RAM does on that machine. In the end, it's just hard to go back to Intel after experiencing Apple Silicon, and the Neo being the current MacBook with the smallest footprint means it's the next best thing for me.

 

[thistleknife]

I believe that at this point in time, we lovers of the 12” MB need let go of the dream of a rebirth and make peace with what is. I realize a lot of people will disagree with me but, I believe the closest thing we have to a pro MB would be the 13” iPad Pro (M4 or M5). It is very portable, offers a wonderful screen, plenty of storage, and cellular use. Granted iPadOS is not Mac OS but, for a lot of people, using an iPad Pro as one’s main computer (or even casual mobile use) is very doable, even though there may be a little friction at times (due to apps etc).

Yes, that is what I have done for now.

I have to admit, my main machine is a MBA M4—I have no idea why people want to get a Neo as a 12" Macbook replacement. If you are going to get a 2.7lbs laptop, get the MBA—why on earth try to make the Neo do that??

That said, no shade if people want to, have fun—but the MBA has been that size for a long time.