Apple says its newly launched MacBook Neo is the most environmentally sustainable device it has produced so far.
The company claims the laptop contains more recycled materials than any previous Apple product, reflecting its broader push toward greener hardware.
Apple introduced the MacBook Neo earlier in March as its most affordable laptop yet, starting at $599, with a $499 discounted price for students.
The laptop targets first-time Mac users, students, and everyday consumers who need a device for tasks like web browsing, writing documents, and general productivity.
According to Molly Anderson, the company designed the device from the ground up rather than relying on older components or cutting costs in ways that would compromise quality.
She said the goal was to ensure the laptop still feels like a true MacBook, while also reducing its environmental footprint.
Most recycled materials in any Apple product
Apple says the MacBook Neo contains around 60 percent recycled materials by weight, making it the company’s most recycled-material product to date.
Several components inside the laptop use recycled elements.
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Aluminum chassis: about 90% recycled aluminum
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Battery: 100% recycled cobalt and 95% recycled lithium
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Magnets: recycled rare earth elements
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Circuit boards and structural parts: recycled metals
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Packaging: fiber-based materials
Apple says these design choices are part of its broader strategy to reduce the environmental impact of its hardware products.
Creating a lower-cost MacBook without compromising design standards was one of Apple’s biggest challenges.
Many laptop manufacturers reduce prices by switching to plastic bodies or lower-quality materials, but Apple chose to maintain its use of aluminum construction.
According to Anderson, the design process started from scratch to ensure the laptop remained “quintessentially a MacBook” rather than feeling like a budget device.
New Colours
The MacBook Neo introduces a slightly more playful design compared with previous models.
Color options include:
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Blush
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Citrus
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Indigo
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Silver
Despite these new choices, the laptop retains Apple’s minimalist MacBook aesthetic.
Powered by Apple’s A18 pro chip
Another notable change is inside the device.
The MacBook Neo runs on Apple’s A18 Pro chip, marking the first Mac to use an iPhone-class processor instead of the company’s traditional M-series chips.
This shift helps Apple lower production costs while still delivering reliable performance for everyday computing.
The laptop also includes:
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13-inch Liquid Retina display
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Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
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Up to 16 hours of battery life
These features position the device as a lightweight machine for productivity and entertainment.
Why MacBook Neo matters for Apple
The MacBook Neo represents a strategic shift in Apple’s Mac lineup.
For years, Apple lacked a true entry-level laptop under $900, leaving much of the budget market dominated by Chromebooks and lower-cost Windows laptops.
With a starting price of $599, Apple is aiming to bring more users into its ecosystem while maintaining its premium design philosophy.
At the same time, the device supports the company’s sustainability goals.
Apple has pledged to make its entire product lineup carbon neutral by 2030, and increasing the use of recycled metals and materials is a major part of that effort.
The MacBook Neo is expected to become widely available starting March 11, following the launch of preorders earlier this month.
If the device performs well in the market, it could reshape Apple’s approach to the entry-level laptop segment.
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