Apple Expands MacBook Neo Production Amid Global RAM Shortage
Apple has nearly doubled production plans for the MacBook Neo after the $599 laptop became one of the company’s fastest-selling Macs in recent years. However, a worsening global RAM shortage now threatens the future of the device’s most affordable version.
The MacBook Neo launched worldwide on March 11, and demand surged almost immediately. As a result, many markets sold out within weeks, while delivery windows stretched longer. During the April 30 earnings call, CEO Tim Cook described demand as “off the charts.” He also said the laptop attracted a record number of first-time Mac buyers and confirmed the product remains “supply constrained.”
According to Taiwan-based technology columnist Tim Culpan, Apple initially planned to manufacture between five and six million units before ending production. Instead, suppliers are now preparing for roughly 10 million units in 2026 because demand continues to rise rapidly.
Production Push Creates New Challenges
The MacBook Neo relies on “binned” A18 Pro chips, which are lower-performing processors left over from iPhone 16 Pro production. However, the available stockpile of those chips has reportedly started running low. Consequently, Apple faced a difficult decision: either allow inventory to shrink or pay a premium for a new batch of processors from chipmaker TSMC.
Apple ultimately decided to continue production despite the higher costs. Even so, the move could reduce profit margins on the low-cost laptop. At the same time, the broader PC industry faces mounting pressure from a global DRAM shortage driven by soaring demand for AI servers.
Because of rising memory prices, several companies have already adjusted their product strategies. Microsoft, for example, increased Surface device prices by as much as $500. Meanwhile, Apple has reportedly started removing some memory-heavy Mac configurations from its online store.
RAM Shortage Hits Existing Mac Models
The clearest example so far is the Mac mini lineup. In late April, Apple quietly discontinued the $599 base M4 Mac mini with 256GB storage. As a result, the 512GB model priced at $799 became the new entry-level option. In addition, several higher-end Mac mini and Mac Studio variants featuring 32GB or more of RAM are currently listed as unavailable.
That situation has raised concerns about the future of the MacBook Neo’s own 256GB model. During the earnings call, Apple warned that it expects “significantly higher memory costs” to impact future production of both the iPhone 17 and the MacBook Neo.
The Neo currently includes 8GB of unified memory, which competitors struggle to offer at similar prices because DRAM costs remain elevated. Nevertheless, Apple continues to benefit from the efficiency of its Neural Engine architecture, which helps the system deliver stronger performance with less memory.
What Happens Next
For now, customers can still order the $599 MacBook Neo, although delivery estimates have stretched to two or three weeks in many regions. Yet analysts believe memory prices may remain high throughout the year. Therefore, Apple could eventually face pressure to either raise prices or reduce availability of the lowest-cost configuration.
Although demand for the MacBook Neo remains exceptionally strong, the long-term success of the budget laptop may now depend less on consumer interest and more on whether global memory supply conditions improve soon.
