Apple recently unveiled its entry-level laptop, the MacBook Neo, which has made a big splash in the tech world with its starting price of 37,999 TL. This brand-new device, launched to directly compete with affordable Windows laptops and Chromebooks, has already reshuffled the deck in the budget-friendly segment.
The first-generation MacBook Neo, featuring a colorful aluminum body and powered by the Apple A18 Pro processor, offers an extremely smooth experience for basic needs. However, its 8 GB RAM limit and certain processing power limitations compared to similarly priced competitors make it insufficient for professional or more demanding users.
However, it appears that the Cupertino-based tech giant is determined to change this situation very soon. According to the latest reports from renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, one of the industry’s most reliable sources, Apple has already begun work on the second-generation MacBook Neo. Expected to hit the market in 2027, this new device will come with tremendous improvements that will completely eliminate the weaknesses of the first generation.
Performance and Memory Leap
Undoubtedly, the first major innovation that the MacBook Neo 2 will bring to the table will be the hardware leap under the hood. Unlike the first generation, which was powered by the A18 Pro chip, the new model is expected to draw its power directly from the Apple A19 Pro processor, which will be designed for the iPhone 17 Pro series.
Apple’s integration of this cutting-edge chipset, developed for its mobile devices, into a laptop form factor means a significant performance boost not only in general processing power but also in AI-focused tasks.
Moreover, the criticized 8 GB memory limit is also a thing of the past. According to information shared by Kuo and other reliable sources, the MacBook Neo 2 will come with 12 GB of RAM as standard. It is said that Apple is leveraging the massive production volume of iPhone chips to reduce laptop costs, enabling it to offer such powerful hardware at a much more affordable price in an entry-level device.
Touchscreen Revolution and “On-Cell” Technology
The truly revolutionary feature of the new model lies in its screen technology. Apple, which has avoided using touchscreens in the MacBook series for years, is breaking this taboo in its new roadmap. According to reports, the second-generation MacBook Neo will come with touchscreen support.
Moreover, in order not to compromise the device’s slim and lightweight design, the company will use “on-cell touch” technology, which integrates the sensors directly into the IPS display panel, rather than adding an external, thick glass layer for the touchscreen. This will preserve the laptop’s current design and thickness while offering users a completely new, intuitive interaction method.
“MacBook Ultra” and the Future macOS Ecosystem
So, is macOS ready for a touchscreen? Actually, the MacBook Neo 2 won’t be Apple’s first laptop with a touchscreen. According to information shared by Bloomberg editor Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing to launch the “MacBook Ultra” (or a high-end new MacBook Pro) model towards the end of 2026, featuring an OLED screen, touch support, a high price tag, and possibly a new design language (perhaps Dynamic Island).
Along with this flagship device, the macOS operating system will be optimized from top to bottom for touch controls. Therefore, when the budget-friendly MacBook Neo 2 hits the market in 2027, users will encounter an operating system that is already flawlessly adapted to touch interaction, free of bugs, and mature.
Apple’s aggressive expansion strategy in the laptop market aims to bring high-end technologies to a much broader user base. The MacBook Neo 2, which will offer seamless hardware and software integration at an affordable price, appears poised to redefine industry standards in the coming years.
