Apple is preparing the next iteration of its entry-level laptop: the MacBook Neo 2. Though the original MacBook Neo—powered by the A18 Pro chip—debuted earlier this year, it’s expected to be joined in 2027 by a significantly upgraded model. Here’s what’s known so far.
New chip, better performance
The MacBook Neo 2 is set to use Apple’s A19 Pro chip. This new processor delivers roughly a 10–15% gain in CPU speed over the A18 Pro in both single-core and multi-core tests. Graphics performance sees a steeper climb: benchmarks indicate GPU gains up to 40%. Higher GPU power comes from each core being paired with integrated Neural Accelerators, a key factor boosting performance for AI tasks.
However, the version of A19 Pro inside the Neo 2 likely won’t match its iPhone 17 Pro cousin in graphics capability. While that phone includes a 6-core GPU, the Neo 2 is expected to be built around a 5-core GPU variant of the same chip.
RAM, AI, and beyond
The current MacBook Neo ships with just 8GB of RAM—a compromise compared to Apple’s higher-end Macs, which typically start at 16GB. The upcoming model won’t match that baseline, but is set to increase RAM to 12GB, helping close the gap in multitasking and future-proofing.
With the combination of the A19 Pro chip and upgraded RAM, the Neo 2 should also support Apple’s newer on-device AI model unveiled at WWDC. This model enables more accurate dictation and more customizable voices for Siri—features the current Neo can’t adequately support under its hardware limits.
Colours and release timing
The MacBook Neo line launched with vibrant colour options like citrus, blush, indigo, and silver. Apple seems likely to continue this design approach, periodically introducing new colours to the Neo family, though specific shades for the Neo 2 haven’t been confirmed.
Launch timing points to sometime in 2027. The original Neo was released in March of this year, and insiders expect the A19 Pro model to arrive within the next year.
The MacBook Neo 2 once again positions Apple to bring strong performance and fresh AI capabilities to its more affordable laptop line. Users can expect faster CPU and GPU workloads, upgraded RAM, and a smarter, more capable Siri. What remains to be seen is how Apple balances price with these upgrades, and whether the new colour options will draw more attention. For anyone choosing the Neo 1, the improvements here could well justify waiting for the Neo 2.
