Jeff Geerling’s recent video declares the Framework 12 officially dead, blaming Apple’s pricing and performance choices. He notes the laptop now carries a $250 price premium over comparable ultrabooks, pushing it out of reach for most buyers. The creator contrasts it with the upcoming MacBook Neo, which he positions as a more viable alternative. He also references community backlash on forums and social media.

Performance tests show the Framework 12 lagging behind its Intel‑based predecessors, especially in multi‑threaded workloads. Geerling points out slower CPU clocks and limited graphics support, which hurt creative professionals and developers. Battery life also falls short of advertised claims, further diminishing its appeal. Despite these drawbacks, he acknowledges solid build quality and a modular design that still appeals to tinkerers who value repairability.

The video’s title, “Apple killed it,” reflects broader frustration in the DIY laptop community, which sees Apple’s ecosystem tightening around proprietary hardware. Geerling concludes the device offers “a bad value, not a bad laptop,” urging graduates and artists to consider alternatives rather than paying extra for a stagnant platform. Support remains limited, sealing its fate.