Apple may discontinue the $599 base MacBook Neo configuration due to rising RAM prices, according to analyst Tim Culpan. The company has already removed budget options from the Mac mini and Mac Studio.
The budget MacBook Neo could lose its price advantage as semiconductor costs climb. If discontinued, the $599 model would be replaced by a $699 configuration with 512GB of storage as the entry point.
This follows a pattern of similar moves across Apple's lineup. The Mac mini's base model jumped from $599 to $799 this week after Apple eliminated its most affordable option. In March, Apple removed the 512GB RAM configuration from the Mac Studio, likely for the same reason.
RAM shortages have pressured manufacturers to consolidate product tiers and reduce lower-priced options. The MacBook Neo's appeal hinged partly on delivering solid performance at an aggressive price point. Losing the $599 entry model would significantly impact its positioning in the budget laptop market.
Apple has not officially confirmed changes to the MacBook Neo lineup. The company typically adjusts configurations based on component availability and supply chain dynamics.
AI cloud computing company CoreWeave is exploring financial derivatives to protect against potential declines in memory and storage chip prices, according to sources.
As Plex continues to decline in user satisfaction, Jellyfin—a free, open-source media server—offers comparable local streaming capabilities. However, it requires more technical setup for remote access and live TV features.
The CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro smartwatch is available at Amazon for $69, undercutting its typical $79-$99 price range. The budget-friendly wearable combines an OLED display with extended battery life.