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Apple’s $599 MacBook Neo Triggers Launch‑Week Mac Deals and Rethinks

Launch‑week discounts highlight how the A18 Pro–based Neo is pressuring Apple’s pricing ladder.

Overview

  • Apple’s entry‑level MacBook Neo is now in stores at $599, with student pricing at $499 and open‑box listings seen from $569.
  • The refreshed MacBook Air with M5 starts at $1,099, and early Geekbench 6 results around 16,099 multi‑core and 4,025 single‑core show near‑Pro performance.
  • Amazon and other retailers are clearing select M4 Air models by up to $320, including a 15‑inch 16GB/512GB configuration at $1,079.
  • Launch‑week promotions include modest $50 cuts on new M5 Air configurations and up to $200 off certain M5 and M5 Pro MacBook Pro models.
  • Coverage describes the Neo as disruptive, noting A18 Pro performance with trade‑offs such as no Touch ID on the base model and fewer premium features compared with the Air.