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Culpium says Apple has asked suppliers to double 2026 MacBook Neo production to 10 million units, up from an initial 5–6 million target, to ease current shortages. The MacBook Neo, Apple’s entry-level laptop, is seeing strong demand with about a four-week delivery wait. The report flags A18 Pro chip shortages as the main constraint: TSMC’s 3nm N3E capacity is largely allocated to AI customers, forcing Apple to pay premiums for non-binned A18 Pro chips. Rising chip and DRAM costs have increased t
Apple is reportedly considering removing the $599/256GB base SKU of the MacBook Neo to offset rising manufacturing costs driven by a global memory-chip shortage and higher demand. Reporter Tim Culpan (formerly of Bloomberg) says Apple has doubled Neo production targets from an expected 5–6 million units to 10 million, requiring fresh A18 Pro chips from TSMC rather than leftover iPhone-stock parts. New A18 Pro wafers will be fuller-featured and more expensive (3nm capacity is tight), and Apple previously used slightly cut-down A18 Pro dies to save cost. If Apple keeps the 256GB option, it may instead introduce new colors to soften price moves. This matters for component supply, pricing strategy and Mac supply chains.
Apple has raised its 2026 production target for the new MacBook Neo to 10 million units, up from an initial 5–6 million, instructing suppliers to scale output to address tight market supply. The company is reportedly willing to pay large premiums to TSMC to secure sufficient A18 Pro chips for the line. The bigger build plan signals strong confidence in demand for the MacBook Neo and highlights supply-chain pressure around advanced Apple silicon. For suppliers and chip foundries, the ramp implies higher revenue but also operational strain as Apple prioritizes component allocation to meet its launch and sales goals.
Apple has told suppliers to raise MacBook Neo production to 10 million units this year, up from an earlier 5–6 million target, even as it agrees to pay large premiums to TSMC for A18 Pro chips. The company is also facing higher prices for scarce DRAM, which will further increase the MacBook Neo’s bill of materials. The shift signals Apple’s strong demand expectations for the new laptop line but will pressure suppliers and margins as Apple absorbs higher component costs to secure supply. This matters for chipmakers, contract manufacturers and the PC supply chain during tight semiconductor and memory markets.
Culpium says Apple has asked suppliers to double 2026 MacBook Neo production to 10 million units, up from an initial 5–6 million target, to ease current shortages. The MacBook Neo, Apple’s entry-level laptop, is seeing strong demand with about a four-week delivery wait. The report flags A18 Pro chip shortages as the main constraint: TSMC’s 3nm N3E capacity is largely allocated to AI customers, forcing Apple to pay premiums for non-binned A18 Pro chips. Rising chip and DRAM costs have increased the MacBook Neo BOM, prompting Apple to consider passing costs to consumers or softening price impact with new color options. The move underscores supply-chain and chip-capacity tensions affecting consumer PC volumes.