Apple has officially announced the MacBook Neo, its most affordable laptop ever, with a starting price of ₹69,990 in India. The device will go on sale from March 11, 2026, both online through Apple’s India website and in authorized Apple Premium Resellers across the country.
The MacBook Neo targets the student and professional market segment where Apple has traditionally been priced out of reach for many Indian consumers.
Key Specifications of MacBook Neo
The MacBook Neo comes with impressive specifications for its price point:
- Processor: Apple Silicon M3 chip
- Display: 13-inch Retina display with True Tone
- RAM: 8GB unified memory (upgradeable to 16GB)
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Battery: Up to 18 hours of battery life
- Camera: 12MP FaceTime HD camera with Centre Stage
- Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), MagSafe 3 charging port, headphone jack
- Weight: 1.24 kg
- Colors: Starlight, Midnight, and Space Grey
Why Apple is Going Budget in India
Apple’s decision to launch a budget-friendly MacBook comes after years of pressure from competitors like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Asus, which dominate the Indian laptop market. The MacBook Neo is Apple’s strategic response to the growing demand from India’s expanding middle class and student population.
Apple India’s revenues have grown over 30% year-on-year in recent years, and the company sees significant untapped potential in the under-₹75,000 laptop segment. Manufacturing partnerships under the PLI scheme in India have helped Apple reduce costs significantly.
Comparison with Competitors
At ₹69,990, the MacBook Neo competes directly with premium Windows laptops like the Dell XPS 13 and HP Spectre x360. Apple’s competitive advantage lies in the M3 chip’s performance-per-watt superiority and seamless integration with other Apple devices.
Conclusion
The MacBook Neo at ₹69,990 represents a significant strategic move by Apple to capture a larger share of the Indian laptop market. For Apple enthusiasts who have been waiting for a more affordable entry point, March 11, 2026 will be an important date.