The case for buying a MacBook Neo right now - especially for students
The budget MacBook is selling out, with orders backlogged until mid-May due to chip constraints.
Apple's budget-friendly MacBook Neo, launched in March 2026, is facing a significant supply shortage that could impact back-to-school shoppers. According to ZDNET's Kyle Kucharski, the device is currently backlogged on Apple's official website, with new orders not shipping until mid-May. The primary bottleneck is the limited supply of A18 Pro chips powering the Neo, which are reportedly not currently in production. This scarcity is compounded by soaring demand, particularly from first-time Mac customers, with former CEO Tim Cook calling it Apple's "best launch week ever" for new Mac users.
Consumers are flocking to Apple's direct store to take advantage of a $499 educator discount unavailable at third-party retailers like Walmart and Best Buy, further straining inventory. Columnist Tim Culpan reported in his 'Culpium' newsletter that Apple is depleting its chip supply so rapidly it risks running out before fulfilling existing orders. While Apple could restart A18 Pro production, the process would be costly. For students planning to purchase the Neo for the 2026 school year, ZDNET recommends buying now, as limited chip supply and strong demand create uncertainty about fall availability, despite the device's compelling value compared to similarly priced Windows PCs.
- MacBook Neo orders are backlogged on Apple.com until at least mid-May due to A18 Pro chip shortages.
- High demand is driven by first-time Mac users and a $499 educator discount exclusive to Apple's store.
- Analyst reports suggest Apple could exhaust its chip inventory before fulfilling current customer orders.
Why It Matters
Students and budget-conscious buyers may miss out on a high-value laptop if they delay purchase due to constrained supply.