Apple just added refurbished MacBook Neo units to its Certified Refurbished store. These units come in Silver, Citrus, Indigo, and Blush. The base 256GB model starts at $599, while the 512GB version with Touch ID starts at $679. This rollout offers a cheaper alternative just as new unit prices climbed.

New MacBook Neo prices jumped $100 yesterday, with the base model now starting at $699. These hikes stem from a memory chip shortage fueled by AI server demand, which drove up costs for RAM and SSD storage. These price increases also hit other refurbished Macs and iPads, with some seeing average jumps of $160 to $180.

Powered by the A18 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM, the MacBook Neo remains the most affordable Mac. It features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display and competes directly with laptops from Dell and Acer. The refurbished pricing effectively returns the laptop to its original launch rates from March for budget-conscious buyers.

This move helps Apple maintain its entry-level price point while managing supply chain pressures. Competitors like Dell and Acer have already launched $699 laptops to counter the MacBook Neo's market position. The availability of refurbished units keeps the entry price low despite rising component costs.