Apple briefly lists “MacBook Neo” in regulatory filing ahead of expected launch

Apple briefly revealed the name of a lower-cost MacBook model in a regulatory document published on its website, indicating the device may be called “MacBook Neo.” The reference appeared in an EU compliance listing for Model A3404 before being removed. The device is expected to be formally announced Wednesday.

The regulatory PDF itself did not include the “MacBook Neo” branding, but the product name appeared in a link on Apple’s compliance site. Shortly after the listing was noticed, Apple removed the reference.

Regulatory listing identifies Model A3404

The appearance of Model A3404 in Apple’s EU regulatory documentation confirms that a new Mac notebook has cleared compliance requirements ahead of release. Such filings are typically published close to launch and often surface product identifiers before official announcements.

No specifications, images, or pricing details were included in the document.

Positioned below MacBook Air

The device is expected to sit below the MacBook Air in Apple’s lineup as a lower-cost alternative. Reports surrounding the product have indicated it may use an iPhone-class chip, such as the A18 Pro or A19 Pro, instead of Apple’s M-series processors used in current Mac models.

If accurate, that would mark a shift in Apple’s Mac silicon strategy by deploying a high-end mobile chip in a notebook form factor rather than a dedicated Mac-class system-on-chip. Apple has previously used A-series chips in iPads, but not in modern MacBooks.

The MacBook Neo is also rumored to feature a 12.9-inch display and to launch in brighter color options, including yellow, green, blue, and pink. No hardware details have been confirmed in Apple’s filing.

Pricing and launch details

Pricing remains unannounced. Estimates have placed the starting price between $599 and $799, which would position the device below the MacBook Air and closer to the entry-level iPad Pro price band.

Apple is hosting in-person “Apple Experience” briefings in New York, London, and Shanghai at 9 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday. The company has not scheduled a livestream event for the launch, suggesting the product will be introduced via press release on the Apple Newsroom.

With the regulatory reference now removed, official details are expected shortly.