Apple’s MacBook Neo shipping delays are finally starting to improve after weeks of frustrating wait times, and the change comes just as reports suggest Apple increased A18 Pro chip orders to keep up with demand for the $599 laptop.
MacBook Neo inventory has stayed tight since launch, with Apple struggling to keep the lower-cost notebook in stock. The situation started looking serious in April when Apple reportedly sold through a month’s worth of inventory in just 15 days, which is unusual for a Mac launch and closer to the kind of demand normally seen with new iPhones.
At the beginning of May, delivery estimates for several MacBook Neo configurations had already slipped to May 26, leaving buyers facing nearly month-long shipping windows. Things got worse on May 7 and May 8 when some delivery dates were pushed into June for the first time.
Apple reportedly increased A18 Pro chip orders
Analyst Tim Culpan recently reported that Apple ordered another round of A18 Pro chips from TSMC as demand for the MacBook Neo continued to rise.
According to the report, Apple increased internal production expectations from around 5 million or 6 million units to roughly 10 million units for the first generation model. Suppliers including Quanta and Foxconn are reportedly working to increase production capacity across factories in Vietnam and China.
The report also claimed Apple requested a “hot lot” production run of A18 Pro chips, which are built on TSMC’s N3E process and also power the iPhone 16 Pro lineup.
Shipping estimates finally move forward
The good news for buyers is that shipping estimates have already started improving. Apple delivery dates that previously stretched from May 26 to June 2 recently shifted forward to May 19 through May 27, cutting roughly a week off waiting times.
Apple still has not fully caught up with demand, but the shorter shipping windows suggest inventory pressure is easing. Retailers including Amazon and Walmart also continue offering faster delivery on select models, while some Apple Stores periodically receive in-store stock.
The stronger supply situation should help Apple maintain momentum for the MacBook Neo, especially now that buyers need to verify eligibility before getting the $499 education pricing.
