Apple raises MacBook Neo 256GB starting price to PHP 49,990 in the Philippines

Following Tim Cook's confirmation of a price hike across Apple products, the MacBook Neo has now felt the effects of the global RAM shortage.

MacBook Neo in Green

MacBook Neo got PHP 10K more expensive

When it first launched, Apple's entry-level MacBook stirred up the AI laptop race with its surprisingly affordable price in the Philippines—PHP 39,990 for the 256GB model and PHP 46,990 for the 512GB variant.

That has since changed. Global memory shortages have pushed Apple to raise prices to PHP 49,990 for the base 256GB model and PHP 56,990 for the 512GB version.

Those who purchased before the hike got the better deal, while anyone still planning to get a MacBook Neo will now feel the difference. 

The price increase may even push some buyers to reconsider their laptop options altogether. Other Mac products are expected to follow suit, with price adjustments likely rolling out across the lineup soon.

Pink colorway

Despite running on a mobile chip, the MacBook Neo remains a capable device. To recap, it's powered by a 3nm Apple A18 hexa-core chip with a 6-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, capable of 35 TOPS—enough to handle on-device AI tasks without relying on cloud servers.

Moreover, the laptop uses a 13-inch Liquid Retina screen, 8GB unified memory, 256GB/512GB SSD, 36WHr battery, 20W USB-C charger, FHD camera, stereo speakers, and 2x microphones.

Connectivity features are WiFi 6E (2.4GHz/5GHz), Bluetooth 6.0, while it also features 2x USB-C ports, and 1x headphone jack.

Finally, the device runs on macOS Tahoe w/ Apple Intelligence.

Apple MacBook Neo key specs, features:

• Recycled aluminum build
• 13-inch Liquid Retina display w/ 2408 x 1506 resolution
• 500 nits brightness
• 3nm Apple A18 Pro hexa-core processor 
• 6-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine
• 8GB unified memory
• 256GB/512GB SSD storage
• 36Wh lithium-ion battery
• 20W USB-C Power Adapter
• 1080p FaceTime HD Camera
• Stereo speakers, dual microphone
• WiFi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 6.0
• 2x USB-C ports, 1x headphone jack
• macOS Tahoe w/ Apple Intelligence
• PHP 49,990 (256GB Magic Keyboard)
• PHP 56,990 (512GB Magic Keyboard w/ Touch ID)

You may check the Apple Philippines website for more information.

What do you guys think?