(Credit: Joseph Maldonado/PCMag)
The MacBook Neo made headlines and racked up sales in part because of its $599 price tag, a new low for an Apple laptop. However, new rumors suggest it might abandon the lower-priced configuration amid the global memory crisis.
The Neo starts at $599 for 256GB of storage and jumps to $699 for a 512GB model with a Touch ID scanner. According to tech columnist Tim Culpan, as spotted by MacRumors, anonymous sources say Apple is considering ending production of the smaller model.
The Neo is designed as a cheaper alternative to top-end MacBooks, but Apple is under pressure to keep its gadgets profitable amid rising storage prices. Many consumer tech brands have been raising prices in recent months due to demand for RAM used in AI data centers. Some brands have even canceled products altogether, as they’ve proven unprofitable.
Apple has already made changes to its Mac lineup, such as dropping the 256GB Mac mini variant earlier this week. That saw the starting price move from $599 to $799 as it's now only selling its 512GB version or higher.
During a recent earnings call, CEO Tim Cook said Apple saw "higher memory costs in the March quarter [that were] partially offset" by existing inventory. "For the June quarter...we expect significantly higher memory costs, [and] we believe memory costs will drive an increasing impact on our business."
Apple will "continue to evaluate this [and] look at a range of options," he added.
Culpan says Apple has internally discussed raising the price of the MacBook Neo rather than removing the 256GB option, but has yet to make a final decision on how to proceed.
Other discussions, according to Culpan, say Apple may introduce new color options for the Neo to help cushion the blow, although he wasn't able to confirm which hues to expect. The current models are sold in Citrus, Blush, Indigo, and Silver.
Trying to buy a MacBook Neo from Apple’s website has become easier in recent weeks, but you'll still wait between two and three weeks for most models. Other reports have suggested that Apple is increasing orders from its suppliers to help meet demand and shorten wait times.