What are the MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e?

Apple’s Move Into Lower‑Price Hardware

Apple introduced two new, more affordable devices aimed squarely at buyers who have been priced out of the company’s usual lineup: a compact MacBook called the MacBook Neo and an entry-level iPhone branded the 17e. The MacBook Neo is being positioned as Apple’s cheapest notebook offering, while the 17e expands the brand’s lower-cost iPhone tier.

Key technical notes and positioning:

• The MacBook Neo ships with Apple silicon tailored for this category, pairing a modern chip and a vivid display that give the machine a surprisingly capable feel for everyday tasks.
• The iPhone 17e is powered by a next‑generation A‑series processor, bringing improved performance and efficiency to the most affordable rung of Apple’s smartphone lineup. It also comes with a larger base storage allocation than the previous entry models.

Apple frames these launches as an intentional push to capture buyers who previously might have chosen cheaper Windows laptops or Android phones. For consumers that means:

• Lower barriers to owning an Apple ecosystem device, which can make services, apps, and accessories more accessible.
• Better performance and modern features at price points that undercut many premium competitors.

For the broader market, the new products tighten the pressure on rival manufacturers that have historically dominated the budget and midrange tiers. Retailers and carriers will be watching closely to see whether Apple’s pricing strategy pulls new customers into its ecosystem or primarily prompts current users to upgrade more often. Either way, the launches signal that Apple is deliberately expanding beyond premium hardware and treating the mainstream market as a strategic priority.