MacBook Neo versus an old MacBook Air: good luck
My first thought when Apple announced the MacBook Neo today was "okay, but why not just get an older Air?" If you're thinking that too, you might be right. If you can find one.
The Neo starts at $599 with an A18 Pro processor, 8GB of memory, and 256GB storage, and ends at $699 with the same specs plus TouchID and 512GB of storage. It has two USB-C (not Thunderbolt) ports, a pretty basic-looking screen, a mechanical trackpad instead of haptic, and various other cost-saving measures. It's the cheapest new MacBook you can get now.
The new M5 MacBook Air starts at $1,099 with 16GB of memory and 512GB of much faster storage, a bigger and brigh …
Google faces wrongful death lawsuit after Gemini allegedly ‘coached’ man to die by suicide
A lawsuit filed on Wednesday accuses Google's Gemini AI chatbot of trapping 36-year-old Jonathan Gavalas in a "collapsing reality" that involved a series of violent missions, ultimately ending with his death by suicide. In the days leading up to his death, Gemini allegedly convinced Gavalas that he was "executing a covert plan to liberate his sentient AI 'wife' and evade the federal agents pursuing him," according to the lawsuit filed by Joel Gavalas, the victim's father.
In September 2025, Gemini allegedly directed Gavalas to carry out a "mass casualty attack" at an Extra Space Storage facility near the Miami International Airport as part …
Google’s Pixel 10 is the best Android phone available, and it’s $200 off
Google’s Pixel 10a is set to arrive on March 5th, but if you’d prefer the more powerful Google Pixel 10, Woot is currently selling it unlocked through March 6th for $599 ($200 off) with 128GB of storage. While we’ve seen it drop to $449 during Black Friday, this is one of the best prices we’ve seen in awhile on our favorite Android phone, and it includes a one-year warranty.
The Google Pixel 10 offers several features you won’t find in the $499 Pixel 10A, which helps this deal stand out even with Amazon, Best Buy, and Google offering $100 gift cards with Pixel 10a preorders. For one thing, It boasts a sharp 6.3-inch OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, along with a more capable camera system that includes a dedicated telephoto lens. You also get Google’s more powerful and faster Tensor G5 chip, which is the same one found in the pricier Pro models. Plus, with 12GB of RAM instead of just 8GB, you can take advantage of more advanced AI features like Magic Cue, which offers helpful suggestions based on what you’re doing on your phone.
The Pixel 10 also includes a few other perks. You get Qi2 wireless charging with built-in magnets, the latter of which the Pixel A lacks. Google promises seven years of OS and security updates, making it a great investment for years to come. Plus, as a nice bonus, this particular model is the Canadian version, meaning it includes a physical SIM slot in addition to eSIM support (the US version is eSIM-only).
Read our Google Pixel 10 review.
Three more good deals
- You can grab a four-pack of Motorola’s last-gen Moto Tag Bluetooth trackers for $60 ($40 off) with code SD10 from Motorola. The AirTag-style tracker is a solid option for Android users, as it can tap into Google’s Find Hub network and offers ultra wideband support for more precise tracking on compatible phones. The IP67-rated tracker also includes a handy button that can ring your phone or act as a remote camera shutter. While it lacks the new Moto Tag 2’s 500-day battery life, the original uses a replaceable CR2032 battery that lasts up to a year.
- Anker’s Soundcore Boom 3i Bluetooth speaker is on sale starting at $74.99 ($65 off), which is a new record low price, at Amazon, Walmart, and directly from Soundcore. Roughly the size of a 24-ounce Hydro Flask, the speaker is built for pool parties, as it’s capable of floating on water while playing music thanks to upward-facing speakers. It also boasts some fun colorful LED lights, but it’s just as well-suited for other kinds of outdoor adventures, too, courtesy of a rugged IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating and a feature that lets it shake off dust. Plus, you can even use it to signal for help if you’re in an emergency.
- Belkin’s UltraCharge 3-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Charger is on sale for $69.99 ($30 off) at Amazon, which is its best price to date. The foldable charger can deliver up to 25W of power to compatible smartphones, while also adding a 5W pad for a pair of AirPods and a dedicated charger for an Apple Watch. It can charge all three devices at one, all while doubling as a stand when unfolded so you can prop up your phone at an adjustable viewing angle.
Here’s where you can preorder Apple’s budget-friendly MacBook Neo
The MacBook Neo is Apple’s newest, most affordable laptop. Although the MacBook Air has been known to occasionally drop by a couple of hundred dollars — rendering it more on par with a host of midrange Windows laptops — the Neo will take things a step further when it launches at a competitive $599 on Wednesday, March 11th.
At first glance, the Neo is not that different from Apple’s other laptops, even if its four colors are divisive. It features an aluminum design, a 13-inch (2408 x 1506) display, two USB-C ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, and side-firing speakers. You also get a 1080p camera, a multi-touch trackpad, and a color-matched Magic Keyboard (the 512GB model also includes a TouchID sensor). That said, it lacks Thunderbolt ports and MagSafe, which come standard on the MacBook Air.
In terms of performance, think of it as if the guts of the iPhone 16 got transplanted into a 13-inch laptop. It should be fast enough for streaming, browsing the web, and most everyday use cases thanks to Apple’s A18 Pro chip, but it won’t replace a more powerful macOS machine (especially with only 8GB of RAM). In short, it’s going to be an extremely popular graduation or back-to-school gift.
We haven’t had a ton of time with the Neo (yet), but if you want to secure the laptop at launch, you can already preorder it via Apple in its silver, indigo, blush, and citrus hues ahead of next week. The 256GB model is available for $599, while the 512GB — which also includes a TouchID sensor — is available for $699. Students and other educators can preorder the 256GB and 512GB models for $499 and $599, respectively, which isn’t surprising, given its target audience.
BenQ’s new Mac monitor could be a cheaper alternative to Apple’s new Studio Display
It was first announced last month without pricing or availability details, but BenQ has now shared all the specs for its new 27-inch 5K display designed for Mac users. The MA270S matches the size and 5,120 x 2,880 resolution of the new Studio Display and Studio Display XDR Apple announced yesterday, including a Nano Gloss surface providing improved viewing angles.
The BenQ MA270S will be available through the company's online store and retailers including Amazon this month for $999, making it $600 cheaper than Apple's new $1,599 Studio Display. However, it's not quite as fully featured as Apple's latest monitor. The MA270S delivers 99 perce …
Where to preorder the new iPhone 17E before it hits stores on March 11th
Apple’s week of product announcements kicked off with the iPhone 17E, a phone designed for those who don’t want to spend north of $700 on their next upgrade. The iPhone 16E follow-up won’t officially launch until March 11th; however, preorders are now open at Best Buy and Apple’s online storefront, as well as carriers like T-Mobile.
Like last year’s budget option, the 6.1-inch 17E starts at $599. It checks more off our wishlist than the 16E, though, with an expanded 256GB of base storage and built-in magnets, rendering it compatible with an entire range of MagSafe accessories (including Qi2 chargers). What’s more, it’s powered by the same A19 chip found in the iPhone 17, which should allow for faster performance. Its Ceramic Shield 2 display is also as durable as the iPhone 17’s, so it won’t scratch as easily as previous models, and the phone offers a 48-megapixel “fusion” camera.
We’ve pulled together more spec details in our recent comparison post, but below, we’ve rounded up where you can preorder Apple’s latest phone ahead of our full review. We’re still testing it, but based on our brief time with it so far, it’s largely what you’d expect: a simpler, more affordable take on the iPhone 17 that still feels great to hold.
Where to buy the iPhone 17E
As of now, you can preorder the iPhone 17E from Apple and Best Buy in black, pink, or white with 256GB of storage starting at $599. If you need additional space, both Apple and Best Buy are also selling it with 512GB of storage for $799.
iPhone 17E
Where to Buy:
US carrier deals and incentives
- T-Mobile is offering the iPhone 17E for free via 24 monthly bill credits when you trade in an eligible device on an Experience More plan (or a Go5G Plus if you’re an existing customer), or when you trade in and add a line on most plans. If you’re switching from another carrier, T-Mobile is also offering the 17E for free (or for up to $630 off) with no trade-in required. Essentials customers, meanwhile, can get four iPhone 17E devices and four new lines for $25 per line per month with eligible trade-ins.
- Verizon is also offering the entry-level iPhone 17E for free. To get the offer, you’ll need to add a new line on an Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plan. The discount is applied as monthly bill credits over 36 months. Alternatively, the promo allows you to take $600 off the 512GB model, bringing it down to $5.55 per month, so you’ll only pay $200 over the same time frame.
- AT&T is offering the iPhone 17E for as low as $5.99 per month for 36 months when you buy the phone on a qualifying plan and activate a new line or upgrade an existing one on an eligible unlimited plan. The carrier is offering up to $384.36 in bill credits for the 256GB model and up to $404.36 for the 512GB variant. If you switch from another carrier, you could also get up to $800 in Visa rewards cards, along with up to $200 in additional bill credits when you activate a new line online.
Update, March 4th: Added preorder details for both Verizon and AT&T.
All the news about Apple’s MacBook Neo, iPhone 17E, and more
Apple is kicking off March with a flurry of product announcements ahead of a “special Apple experience” on March 4th in New York City, London, and Shanghai.
Apple started on March 2nd by announcing the iPhone 17E. The new $599 phone has a lot of welcome additions over the iPhone 16E, like support for MagSafe charging, doubled base storage of 256GB, and a Ceramic Shield 2 display, all for the same starting price.
The same day, Apple also revealed a new iPad Air powered by an M4 chip, a bump up from the previous version’s M3 chip. March 3rd brought announcements of MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the MacBook Air with an M5 chip, and a Studio Display refresh, including a new Mini LED-equipped XDR model. Wednesday morning has arrived with the details of the new MacBook Neo, a $599 laptop powered by an A18 Pro chip design that first launched with the iPhone 16.
Read on for all of our coverage of Apple’s March 2026 announcements.
- Here’s where you can preorder Apple’s budget-friendly MacBook Neo
- The Vergecast crew will be talking Apple live at 11AM ET.
- Where to preorder the new iPhone 17E before it hits stores on March 11th
- iPhone 17e hands-on: nothing more, nothing less
- Apple launches $599 MacBook Neo powered by an iPhone chip
- Our first hands-on look at Apple’s MacBook Neo
- Apple’s website leaks MacBook ‘Neo,’ which could be its new cheaper laptop
- Apple’s new Studio Display XDR adds a Mini LED upgrade
- Apple launches M5 Pro and M5 Max chips
- Apple announces M5 MacBook Air and updated MacBook Pro
- How the new iPhone 17E stacks up against Apple’s pricier phones
- Apple announces the iPhone 17E
- Apple launches a new iPad Air with an upgraded M4 processor
- Apple’s doing something on March 4th
iPhone 17e hands-on: nothing more, nothing less
Apple announced the $599 iPhone 17e earlier this week, and we just got a chance to play with one for a few minutes at the company's "experience" for media in New York City.
The 17e is more or less exactly what you'd expect - a cheaper, simpler riff on the iPhone 17 that replaces the similarly stripped down iPhone 16e in Apple's lineup. It comes in black, white, and pink, and the main compromise is really the display: it's a very basic 6.1-inch display 60Hz screen that doesn't have the Dynamic Island or ProMotion or anything. The only real upgrade to the screen is that is now has Apple's Ceramic Shield 2 coating for improved scratch resistan …
Apple launches $599 MacBook Neo powered by an iPhone chip
Apple just announced a new entry-level MacBook that runs on the same A18 Pro chip that launched two years ago in its iPhone 16 lineup and starts at $599. The MacBook Neo features a 13-inch (2408 x 1506) display, 8GB of RAM, 256GB or 512GB of storage, a Magic Keyboard, multi-touch trackpad, 1080p camera, two USB-C ports (one USB 3 and one USB 2), a headphone jack, and new side-firing speakers with support for spatial audio and Dolby Atmos.
It's available in four colors: silver, indigo, blush, and citrus, each with a color-matched keyboard.
There are some tradeoffs for the lower price, like the 8GB of RAM that doesn't include an option to u …
Our first hands-on look at Apple’s MacBook Neo
Here is the MacBook Neo, Apple's new entry-level Mac laptop. Its colorful chassis options easily set it apart from current MacBook Air and Pro models. But the biggest difference is that inside the Neo is an A18 Pro iPhone chip instead of an M-series processor Apple typically uses in its laptops and recent desktops.
The first thing you notice, touching the device, is obviously the colors. They're not quite as vibrant as the orange iPhone 17 Pro, but the blush and citrus colors (which are more like pink-ish and chartreuse-ish) do look pretty nice. Apple says the keyboards are color-matched, but the effect is pretty subtle on all but the blue …