Apple MacBook Neo 2 could be a major upgrade with touchscreen, A19 Pro chip

Apple recently unveiled the MacBook Neo, its most affordable laptop aimed at students and first-time Mac buyers. While the device has just arrived on the market, the company could already be working on a second-generation product, which may arrive with major upgrades, including a touchscreen panel.

A recent MacRumors report claims that Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned a few key details about the second-generation MacBook Neo back in September last year.

MacBook Neo 2 could be a major upgrade over first generation

Kuo claimed last year that the first-generation entry-level MacBook, which would enter mass production in Q4 2025, would not have a touchscreen. Just as he predicted, the MacBook Neo does not have a touchscreen, which was not expected from an entry-level offering.

What’s interesting is that in the same report he claimed that the second-generation model arriving in 2027 will feature a touchscreen. If this happens, it will mark a significant shift for Apple’s laptop lineup.

The first MacBook with touchscreen capability is expected to arrive earlier in the form of a redesigned MacBook Pro equipped with an OLED panel. This device is expected to launch as early as the end of this year. Once that device reaches the market, the company could gradually extend the feature to other models, including the Neo series. Based on Kuo’s insights from last year, the MacBook Neo 2 is expected to debut in 2027

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The MacBook Neo successor is expected to retain a 13-inch IPS display, but the touch layer could be integrated directly into the panel using on-cell touch technology. This approach embeds the touch sensors into the display itself rather than adding a separate layer. As a result, the device can maintain a slim profile without increasing the thickness of the screen.

Upgraded chipset and memory expected

Another major change could come in the form of a new processor. The current MacBook Neo runs on Apple’s A18 Pro chip, the same silicon used in the iPhone 16 Pro series. The next version is likely to move to the A19 Pro chip, which is expected to debut in the iPhone 17 Pro lineup.

The memory configuration may also see an upgrade. Reports suggest that Apple could increase the RAM to 12GB, compared to 8GB on the existing model. This improvement would help the device handle heavier workloads and multitasking more efficiently. However, the overall design and many core features may remain similar in order to keep the laptop within the same affordable segment.

MacBook Neo price in India

The current MacBook Neo comes with a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, up to 16 hours of battery life, and Apple’s Magic Keyboard with a multi-touch trackpad and Touch ID. In India, it starts at Rs 69,900 for the 256GB model, while the 512GB variant costs Rs 79,900.

The second-generation MacBook Neo is unlikely to arrive soon, with early indications pointing to a launch around 2027. Until then, Apple’s plans could evolve as the company finalises the specifications for its next entry-level MacBook.

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Stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for the latest updates on upcoming Apple devices.