Apple is reportedly considering removing the entry-level MacBook Neo configuration, a move that would effectively raise the laptop’s starting price from $599 to $699.
According to Bloomberg reporter Tim Culpan, writing in his latest Culpium newsletter, Apple is weighing whether to discontinue the base 256GB model without Touch ID as manufacturing costs continue to rise.
Rather than increasing the price of existing models directly, Apple could instead simplify the lineup and only offer the higher-end configuration, pushing the effective entry price up by $100.
The discussions reportedly come as Apple struggles to keep up with demand for the MacBook Neo, which has quickly become one of the company’s most popular recent products.
Shipping estimates for the laptop currently sit at two to three weeks across much of the lineup, and Apple is said to have instructed suppliers to significantly increase production capacity, reportedly targeting around 10 million units, nearly double original expectations.
Part of the pricing pressure is also said to stem from Apple’s chip strategy. Early MacBook Neo models reportedly used lower-binned versions of the A18 Pro chip with one GPU core disabled. As production ramps up, Apple may need to rely more heavily on fully functional chips, increasing the cost per unit.
If Apple decides against removing the $599 model, Culpan says the company is also considering introducing new color options as a way to soften the impact of a possible future price increase.
The report comes shortly after Apple CEO Tim Cook officially confirmed for the first time that the MacBook Neo is facing supply constraints.
Speaking during Apple’s Q2 2026 earnings call, Cook admitted Apple underestimated demand for the laptop.
“We are supply constrained,” Cook said. “We were very bullish on the product before announcing it, but we undercalled the level of enthusiasm that would be with it.”
Cook said the MacBook Neo has been particularly successful in attracting first-time Mac buyers and customers upgrading from much older devices. He also highlighted growing interest from schools switching from Chromebooks and Windows PCs.
The MacBook Neo launched in March and has quickly become a breakout product for Apple, with strong demand continuing to outpace supply.
