Apple’s $599 MacBook Neo may be at risk due to rising RAM prices

The MacBook Neo may be losing its most attractive features thanks to a persistent lack of RAM. according to Analyst Tim CulpinApple could discontinue the budget-priced $599 base configuration of the Neo, leaving only the $699 model with 512GB of storage. Earlier this week, Apple similarly stopped selling the less expensive configuration of Mac minieffectively raising its starting price to $799. In March Apple The 512GB RAM option has been removed In Mac Studio, this is also likely a result of a lack of RAM.

Ironically, that MacBook Neo It may experience similar price changes due to its huge initial success. The Neo arrived right as the RAM shortage drove up prices Competitors’ laptops (and Just about everything else), and the laptop has been such a hit that there is currently a two- to three-week wait for it to ship on Apple’s website. In response, Colpin says Apple is doubling production of the Neo to 10 million units, instead of the 5 to 6 million units it initially planned.

The first batch of Neos used the A18 Pro chips left over from the iPhone 16 Pro, but Apple will need to order more for the second batch of Neos. Between the cost of producing more A18 Pro chips and the higher costs of other components due to the lack of RAM, this second batch of MacBook Neos will be more expensive for Apple to produce. Unfortunately, this cost can end up being passed on to consumers.