The Vergecast MacBook Neo, iPhone 17e, and iPad Air: The Vergecast Livestream
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Mar 4, 2026 Hands-on reactions to Apple's surprise low-cost MacBook Neo and its trade-offs in design, RAM, storage, and ports. A discussion of the Neo using an A18 Pro chip and whether it replaces older Air models. Close looks at the new Studio Display XDR and pricing versus alternatives. First impressions of an affordable iPhone 17e and its display and camera compromises. Thoughts on the updated iPad Air and wireless chip strategy.
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Hands On Started In A Sparse 'Experience' Room
- At Apple's hands-on, David and Nilay described a sparse 'experience' room with a huge TV and a casual demo where the Neo was revealed in a short video.
- They moved quickly into a well-lit hands-on area with a coffee shop and devices laid out for inspection.
MacBook Neo Is A Purposefully Compromised $599 Mac
- Apple designed the MacBook Neo to be a mass-market, education-focused Mac priced around $599 by trading away higher-end specs.
- Key compromises: 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, A18 Pro (iPhone) chip, mechanical clicking trackpad, and no Thunderbolt or MagSafe.
Smartphone Chips And Low RAM Drive The Neo's Economics
- The Neo swaps premium Mac components for cost savings: lower RAM and storage, a smartphone-class A18 Pro chip, and simpler I/O.
- These choices prioritize scale and price over heavy multitasking or pro workflows.