The Macbook Neo uses an iPhone chip so why doesn't it also have a sim card? You can buy beefy 5G service now. I'd love a laptop that has internet everywhere with cell phone service, no hotspot needed.
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Why doesn't the Neo have phone features?
- Thread starter daftna
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jz0309
macrumors P6
does that "iPhone chip" include a modem?
The answer is no btw.
There've been rumors that Apple might offer their modem chips in future MacBooks but that is yet to be seen.
That’s a question people have been asking about MacBooks for quite a while now. If a 5G modem does come to a Mac, I don’t think you’ll see it on a budget Mac like a Neo -- probably a premium feature on a MacBook Pro or something.
I agree it would be a killer feature, but for whatever reason Apple seems to think only iPads and iPhones need mobile data modems ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I agree it would be a killer feature, but for whatever reason Apple seems to think only iPads and iPhones need mobile data modems ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Right well they don't include the hardware they don't need since it's not an iPhone including the modem, and I wouldn't expect them to include this on the base model. How much more would people pay for this? I would happily pay $200 more. $300 more? I'm probably still happily paying 🙂
JPack
macrumors P6
Not enough professional demand for it. Mobile hotspot devices are inexpensive. iPhone can also serve as hotspot with minimal friction.
And drain my iPhone's battery? I'd much rather pay a premium to have it built-in and I think a lot of people would agree.
JPack
macrumors P6
The demand just isn't there. Look at how many models Lenovo (largest PC maker) and Dell offer with WWAN as a selectable option on the ordering page. Typically, only certain organizations need WWAN and they do custom config orders.
1rottenapple
macrumors 603
I have visible with unlimited hotspot for 35 I’m not paying for another data plan and most people won’t. I’d be curious to find out how many even have iPads with paid/active cellular plans. I’m sure Apple has the numbers not some biased pole on MR. Frankly I doubt there would be much demand on MacBooks enough where Apple is shipping these cellular modems for features most won’t use. So they’re shipping out sku with no use. Or if bto the. They have to produce multiple assembly lines with modems that may not be used.
Frankly the only reason why I MAy want a cellular iPad is for the built in gps to run off roading apps that require gps. But I won’t activate the data plan.
Frankly the only reason why I MAy want a cellular iPad is for the built in gps to run off roading apps that require gps. But I won’t activate the data plan.
raythompsontn
macrumors 65816
Because a user would look like a real dork holding a MacBook to their ear to make a phone call!
Yeh, I know, before someone gets their panties in a wad, not the real reason for a SIM in a computer, just a little humor.
JPack
macrumors P6
If that were the case, iPad would never have cellular. Pocket hotspots might not be popular in the U.S., but they're popular elsewhere and cheap too.
The reality is, very few people are whipping out their MacBook in the middle of nowhere to do work. iPhone and iPad have that instant-on, work anywhere characteristic, but not so with MacBook.
Right, but that’s another device you have to carry, keep charged, etc.
Besides, they put them in iPads so why not Macs?
Because the point was not to create the perfect netbook. It was to strip down the Mac to bare essentials and offer it at the lowest possible price point possible while still being able to say “this reflects the quality we expect from a Mac”.
It’d be more appropriate to ask why the Air and Pro don’t support cellular data.
snipr125
macrumors 68030
Iphones, iPads and the Apple watch are proper mobile devices that are always on and designed to be carried everywhere with appropriate optimised apps, so there is a use case to have mobile data on them. With iPads/ watches you have to also pay an extra premium for the privilege. Also you have to take into account that Apple wants you to buy these devices as they are locked to the App store, which is a big part of their main business model.
GeorgeRussell
macrumors newbie
Just use mobile hotspot no? I can't imagine a situation where I'd have my laptop but not my phone at hand.
A MacBook is as much a “proper mobile device” as an iPad. It has a battery, it is designed to be carried everywhere. The fact that iPadOS is locked to the App Store is irrelevant here.
You could say the same thing about an iPad Pro, but those have wireless modems inside. Very inconsistent logic here.
It’s amazing to me that so many people get up in arms about the idea of a feature they don’t want being offered to people who would want it. 🤣
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GeorgeRussell
macrumors newbie
snipr125
macrumors 68030
It is relevant because Apple wants you to buy these devices as a priority, and spend money on the App store (requires internet access), which is a big part of their revenue model. Would be great to have the option of mobile data on macbooks for sure, but for now they don't want you to have it.
StellarVixen
macrumors 68040
baconcat_8964
macrumors 6502
1. Unlike Qualcomm Snapdragon, Samsung Exynos, and MediaTek, Apple chip does not have embedded modem. So even Neo uses A18 Pro chip does not means it comes with the 5G capability.
2. In many countries, mobile phone, tablet and laptops that comes with cellular network capability, requires additional approval. They cannot be sold without permission, and those permission cost time and money.