Apple plans to order a new batch of A18 Pro chips due to high demand for the MacBook Neo

Short overview of the budget MacBook Neo situation

Apple announced that the MacBook Neo model has become one of the best‑selling laptops this quarter, but at the same time warned that the chip shortage will persist for some time.

What happened
1. Sales success

- Apple’s report states that about 10 million units are planned to be released, almost twice the original target.

2. Processor issue

- To manufacture new laptops, the company used “scrap” A18 Pro chips that were originally intended for the iPhone 16 Pro.

- The iPhone 16 Pro uses a graphics core with six threads. Some chips come with partially defective cores, so they are not discarded but kept in stock and used in the MacBook Neo.

3. Stock reduction

- The remaining “scrap” inventory is nearly depleted. To meet demand for 5 million new laptops, Apple must order a new batch of A18 Pro from TSMC.

What this means for the company
- The cost of the new batch will be higher than that of the “free” scrap, and it’s unclear how Apple will handle it:

- Reduce margin on the MacBook Neo.
- Pass costs onto consumers through a price increase.

- There is a chance Apple will use the same strategy it employed for the Mac mini:

- Remove the lower model (256 GB at $599) and keep only the higher‑priced version (512 GB at $699). This would help cover additional processor costs.

What’s next
- The decision made now is likely temporary.

- In early 2027, a second‑generation MacBook Neo with A19 Pro chips—“scrap” from the iPhone 17—is planned to launch.

Thus Apple faces the challenge of balancing demand for a budget laptop against limited processor availability while preparing a transition plan to the next generation of devices.