Apple will release the new MacBook Neo tomorrow, but early reviews already reveal what the laptop looks like inside. One hands-on preview shows that Apple filled most of the internal space with battery cells and speaker hardware, leaving a smaller section for the main computing components. The design reflects Apple’s push to balance performance, battery life, and a lower starting price.
The MacBook Neo arrives as Apple’s most affordable Mac laptop in years, starting at $599. Early testers say the device focuses on everyday computing with strong battery capacity and a simple internal layout. One reviewer described the laptop as “a truly great Mac at an unbelievable price,” which highlights how Apple positions the Neo as a budget-friendly entry into the Mac lineup.
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Dave Lee, who runs the YouTube channel Dave2D, opened the laptop and showed how Apple arranged the internal parts. His video reveals that most of the interior space holds the battery pack and side-firing stereo speakers.
Mechanical trackpad design
Lee also explained the laptop’s mechanical trackpad system. Instead of Apple’s usual haptic setup, the Neo uses a plate that floats above a centered physical button. When users press the trackpad, the button creates the click response.
Another major change sits on the logic board. Apple built the MacBook Neo around the A18 Pro chip, a processor first developed for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. This marks the first time a Mac runs on a chip originally designed for the iPhone, which signals Apple’s push to bring mobile-style efficiency to its laptop lineup.
It is disingenuous to compare the Neo to a refurbished Mac. If the refurbished unit was always available, I would agree with the author but if you’ve ever bought refurbished units, you know that they can be there one day and gone the next.