This article may contain affiliate links. Learn more on our Partner Program page.
The most affordable MacBook has been Apple's biggest surprise in the notebook market so far. The company is expected to sell significantly more next year: a supply chain report indicates 16 million units. A successor is also expected in 2027.
According to a Digitimes report, Apple has given its suppliers a delivery forecast of 16 million MacBook Neo units for 2027. That would be roughly double the nearly 8 million units expected for 2026. The model was released in March 2026, and its successor is expected in the first half of 2027.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Apple is reportedly planning to produce 16 million MacBook Neos by 2027.
- The report cites almost 8 million devices for 2026.
- In May, Ming-Chi Kuo still expected 10 million devices by 2026.
- The MacBook Neo 2 is expected to arrive in the first half of 2027 with A19 Pro and 12 GB of RAM.
What's behind the number
This information is based on unnamed sources within the supply chain and is not an official Apple figure. Supplier forecasts are planning figures, not actual sales, and are subject to change throughout the year.
Part of the increase is simply a matter of calculation: 2026 only has around ten sales months, 2027 twelve. The two additional months of January and February do not explain the doubling.
| Info | Quantity | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Original estimate, first generation | 5 to 6 million | Tim Culpan, May 2026 |
| Increased capacity, first generation | approximately 10 million | Tim Culpan, May 2026 |
| Delivery forecast 2026 | 10 million | Ming-Chi Kuo, May 2026 |
| Expected deliveries 2026 | nearly 8 million | Digitimes, November 2026 |
| Delivery forecast 2027 | 16 million | Digitimes, November 2026 |
The figure of just under 8 million is below the 10 million that analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expected for 2026 in May. Culpan's 10 million is something different: it describes the total capacity for the first generation, without reference to a calendar year.
What the MacBook Neo 2 is supposed to offer
According to Bloomberg, the successor is expected to be released in the first half of 2027. Bloomberg had previously reported that it would feature the A19 Pro instead of the A18 Pro, 12 GB of RAM instead of 8 GB, and new colors. No price has been announced yet. The current model starts at €799 in Germany.
Why the forecast is going against the market
The plan becomes particularly interesting when viewed in the context of the overall market. TrendForce anticipates fewer notebook shipments in 2027, with a decline in the low single-digit percentage range. One reason for this is the rising cost of processors, RAM, and SSDs. Doubling the Neo's sales would be the opposite of this trend.
I consider the 16 million units a signal, not a firm commitment. It suggests that Apple sees the Neo as more than just a one-season entry-level model. The price will be crucial: If the Neo 2 stays at its current price of €799, the plan should work out. If it rises due to storage costs, the Neo will lose some of its strongest selling points.
Would the MacBook Neo 2 with 12GB still be of interest to you if it were more expensive than the current €799? Let us know in the comments what your price limit is.
