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Which MacBook to Buy (2026): Neo, Air, or Pro?
The MacBook lineup for 2026 has been set. The various MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models are both up to date, and the introduction of the cheaper MacBook Neo in March has added a third option to consider. Confused yet? I don't blame you.
But with a decade of MacBook testing under my belt, I feel confident about pointing you in the right direction, regardless of your budgetary restraints or performance needs. If you're hunting for discounts, be aware that Apple recently increased MacBook prices, citing component supply constraints and the high cost of memory and storage chips.
For more recommendations, be sure to check out the rest of our computer buying guides, like the Best Laptops, Best Cheap Laptops, and Best Windows Laptops.
Updated June 2026: I've added notes about the new macOS 27 Golden Gate software update, as well as added a couple of new MacBook accessories.
Yes. Every MacBook has been refreshed as of March 2026, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and the new MacBook Neo. You're getting the latest hardware from Apple right now, meaning you'll be getting the maximum amount of years out of it, including ongoing software support from Apple.
However, because they're brand new, pricing on these models are high as they'll ever be. Discounts will be hard to come by, especially with Apple recently increasing the price of its MacBook lineup due to increasing component prices on memory and storage chips.
You might be considering waiting until the next big sale, but we may not see prices drop that much this year. Due to the tremendous increase in demand for memory in AI data centers, a serious memory shortage is building and will affect laptop prices starting in 2026 and beyond. Companies like HP and Lenovo have already made official statements about how this will be addressed in 2026.
There's one major MacBook rumored to launch later this year that will be a major moment. There have been reports about it for years, sporting an OLED display, a touchscreen-optimized interface, M6 chip, and a thinner chassis. While this was once seen as a new MacBook Pro, the latest report from Bloomberg talks about an alternative high-end machine, possibly known as a MacBook Ultra. It sounds like this would be a way for Apple to offer a more expensive MacBook that isn't purely performance-driven.
All of Apple’s processors are scattered throughout different MacBook models, and you can find older models at specific third-party retailers online, either completely new or refurbished. If you do stumble upon its older chips (which came out four years ago), you might be wondering how they compare to other options. We break down the differences between each one.
M5: The M5 chips are the latest options from Apple, having started in late 2025 on the launch of the 14-inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro. The base M5 still has up to a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, though there's also a lower-tier 9-core CPU that's available in the iPad Pro. The M5 is around 10 to 15 percent faster in CPU performance, but also takes a significant step up in GPU, AI workloads, and even storage speed. Like Apple's mobile chips, the M5 is now available on the MacBook Air as well.