Particle.news
Download on the App Store

MacBook Neo Demand Exhausts Spare A18 Pro Chips, Putting the $599/£599 Model at Risk

Rising chip and memory costs put the entry price in doubt.

Overview

  • Strong early demand drained the pool of down-binned iPhone A18 Pro chips used in the first Neo units, and Apple has reportedly ordered fresh A18 Pro production from TSMC, according to TweakTown.
  • Higher DRAM prices driven by AI data center demand and costlier new 3nm silicon runs are squeezing margins on the cheapest configuration, the reports say.
  • GB News reports industry whispers that Apple asked suppliers to lift planned output to about 10 million units, up from roughly 5 to 6 million.
  • Analyst Tim Culpan and both outlets say Apple may drop or reprice the entry Neo, yet Apple has not confirmed any price or lineup changes.
  • A higher starting price could push buyers toward discounted MacBook Air models or rival Windows laptops, even as current Neo delivery dates continue to slip.