Apple has made its first serious foray into the sub-$1,000 laptop market with the MacBook Neo. Priced at $599, this midrange laptop competes with Windows laptops and Chromebooks. However, a key selling point of the Neo is its modular design.
The internal components are designed to be easily replaceable, making it more convenient for businesses and schools. The battery, in particular, can be swapped out quickly and without specialized tools. This simplifies repairs and replacements compared to previous models like the M5 MacBook Air.
Another notable change is the separate keyboard component. In contrast to modern MacBooks, which have a unified top case that’s difficult to replace, the Neo’s keyboard is its own module. This makes repairs more cost-effective and accessible to users who want to upgrade or replace their keyboards independently.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/03/more-modular-design-makes-macbook-neo-easier-to-fix-than-other-apple-laptops