Apple’s Budget Line Is Growing: Meet the MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e
Apple has historically been known for premium devices with premium prices. But over the past year, that strategy has started to shift.
It began with the launch of the iPhone 16e, which introduced a new “e” lineup designed to bring core iPhone features to a more accessible price point.
Now, Apple is expanding that idea even further with two new devices: the MacBook Neo and the iPhone 17e.
Both are designed to deliver the Apple experience more affordably—without completely sacrificing the features people actually want.
MacBook Neo: A More Affordable Way Into Mac
The MacBook Neo is Apple’s newest entry-level laptop and one of the most affordable Macs the company has ever released.
Instead of the typical M-series chips found in higher-end MacBooks, the Neo uses the A18 Pro chip, the same architecture used in recent iPhones. While it’s not designed for heavy professional workloads, it’s more than capable for everyday tasks like browsing, schoolwork, streaming, and video calls.
Key Features
• 13-inch Liquid Retina display with bright, vibrant visuals
• Up to 16 hours of battery life for all-day productivity
• 1080p FaceTime camera with improved video quality
• Spatial Audio speakers for better sound when watching content
• Eco-friendly design made with a high percentage of recycled materials
In short, it delivers the core Mac experience at a lower price point by trimming back some of the more premium hardware options.
For students, casual users, or anyone who just wants a reliable everyday laptop, the MacBook Neo fills a gap that previously didn’t exist in Apple’s lineup.
iPhone 17e: Continuing the “e” Series
Alongside the new MacBook, Apple also introduced the next generation of its more affordable iPhone lineup with the iPhone 17e.
Building on the concept introduced with the iPhone 16e, this device focuses on delivering flagship-level essentials while keeping the overall cost lower than the main iPhone models.
Key Highlights
• Powered by the A19 chip for fast everyday performance
• 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology
• 48-megapixel main camera with optical-quality zoom
• USB-C and MagSafe support for modern charging and accessories
• Satellite connectivity features for safety and emergency communication
The result is a phone that still feels modern and capable, even though it sits at the more affordable end of Apple’s lineup.
Why Apple Is Expanding the Budget Line
The bigger story here is Apple’s evolving strategy.
By introducing the “e” lineup with the iPhone 16e and expanding into devices like the MacBook Neo, Apple is lowering the barrier to entry for its ecosystem.
That means more people can access:
macOS and iOS devices
Apple services and subscriptions
seamless integration across Apple products
And once users are inside the ecosystem, they’re far more likely to stay there.
The MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e aren’t meant to replace Apple’s premium devices. Instead, they expand the lineup to give more people access to Apple hardware.
You still get the design, performance, and ecosystem benefits Apple is known for—just at a more approachable price point.
And with the budget-friendly strategy that started with the iPhone 16e continuing to grow, it’s clear Apple is making a bigger push toward accessibility in its product lineup.