According to reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is planning to release the second generation of its MacBook Neo in 2027. This upcoming model is set to feature significant upgrades, including the A19 Pro chip and an increase in RAM to 12GB, alongside new color options.
Enhanced Performance with A19 Pro
The centerpiece of the second-generation MacBook Neo will be the A19 Pro chip. While specific details about the A18 Pro in the current MacBook Neo are known (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, 60GB/s memory bandwidth), the A19 Pro is expected to offer a notable performance boost. Based on Geekbench 6 benchmark information, the A19 Pro is anticipated to deliver approximately an 11% increase in single-core performance and a 12% jump in multi-core performance compared to the A18 Pro. This new chip was previously launched with the iPhone 17 Pro series in 2025, with benchmarks showing single-core scores around 3895 and multi-core scores around 9746, surpassing the A18 Pro and even the M4 MacBook Pro in single-core performance.
More RAM for Multitasking
Beyond the chip upgrade, the 2027 MacBook Neo will reportedly double its standard RAM from 8GB to 12GB. This 4GB increase is crucial for enhancing the user experience, especially when running multiple applications simultaneously or working with larger files. Improved multitasking capabilities and smoother performance are expected benefits of this memory expansion.
A Splash of New Colors
Apple’s current MacBook Neo, launched on March 4, 2026, offers a youthful and vibrant aesthetic with four color options: Silver, Starlight, Midnight, and Blue. The second generation is rumored to introduce even more color choices, allowing users to further personalize their devices.
Background: The MacBook Neo
The MacBook Neo was introduced as an entry-level laptop in March 2026, marking Apple’s first foray into using smartphone processors in Mac computers. It debuted with the A18 Pro chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 16 Pro. The initial pricing in China was 4599 yuan, with color options including Pink, Indigo, Silver, and Citrus Yellow. The laptop features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, offers up to 16 hours of battery life, and weighs approximately 1.2 kilograms. It comes equipped with two USB-C ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack, and supports Touch ID.
In the US market, the MacBook Neo initially launched at $599. However, by June 2026, Apple adjusted prices globally for several Mac and iPad models due to rising component costs and shortages attributed to AI data center expansion. The MacBook Neo’s starting price was consequently raised to $699. Apple continues to offer a $100 educational discount for students and faculty.
Broader Apple Product Pipeline
This MacBook Neo update is part of a larger product roadmap revealed by Gurman, which includes over a dozen Apple products slated for release between September 2026 and early 2027. Notable upcoming devices mentioned are the iPhone 18 Pro with an A20 Pro chip, a smaller Dynamic Island, and new color options like Deep Cherry Red and Light Blue, as well as an iPhone Ultra foldable device with a 7.7-inch inner display and an A20 Pro chip.
