macOS | The VergeThe Verge is about technology and how it makes us feel. Founded in 2011, we offer our audience everything from breaking news to reviews to award-winning features and investigations, on our site, in video, and in podcasts.2026-04-21T17:25:17+00:00https://www.theverge.com/rss/apple-mac-os/index.xmlhttps://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/verge-rss-large_80b47e.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1Antonio G. Di Benedetto<![CDATA[The Mac is in good hands in Apple’s post-Cook era]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9158962026-04-21T13:25:17-04:002026-04-21T13:20:50-04:00
The Mac reached a series of low points in the Tim Cook era: the fiasco of the butterfly keyboard, the clunky transition to USB-C, the underutilized potential of the Touch Bar, and the occasionally lackluster Intel chip performance. For a while, it seemed like Apple had shifted all of its attention, innovation, and care toward the iPad. For Mac users, it was a rough stretch of time.
And then, with the transition to Apple Silicon in 2020, everything changed. The line was revitalized with hugely capable new chips, and Apple began prioritizing usability over thinness at all costs. The Mac is now in a new golden era, and yesterday's changes at A …
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Cameron Faulkner<![CDATA[The nine best ways to protect, customize, and accessorize your MacBook Neo]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9127672026-04-16T13:57:47-04:002026-04-16T13:05:54-04:00
You can use the Neo as it comes out of the box, or enhance your experience with some add-on accessories. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
The MacBook Neo is poised to be a top-selling laptop in 2026, thanks in large part to its affordable $599 entry price. Despite launching at a more accessible price point than Apple’s $1,099 (though often discounted) 2026 MacBook Air, the Neo makes surprisingly few concessions in terms of build quality. Its design has the same level of precision as pricier Apple products, and we found in a hands-on comparison that it handily outclasses similarly priced Windows laptops in just about every way despite running on an iPhone chipset.
In short, you might want one, or perhaps you already have one. Whatever your situation is, it’s possible that you may also want a couple of accessories to get the most out of your Neo. We have nine recommendations — a MacBook Neo accessory starter kit, if you will — that can help you protect it, customize it, or just use it more comfortably in your day-to-day life.
A USB-C monitor to use as a second screen
Not every computer monitor supports USB-C video input, so the selection of ones that do is smaller (and often pricier) than if you just want a cheap model that only boasts HDMI or DisplayPort inputs. Whether you find a deal or not, the Asus ProArt PA278CV is an appealing (and relatively inexpensive) monitor that offers USB-C video-in as well as passthrough charging to keep your Neo charged.
It’s a 27-inch 1440p monitor with a 75Hz refresh rate that’s color accurate. It features built-in speakers and can deliver 65W of power via USB-C, which is more than enough to keep the Neo charging at its peak 30W speed (faster than the 20W charger that Apple includes). It’s typically priced at $299 at retailers like Amazon and B&H Photo, but you might find it for as low as $209 if you’re lucky.
If you want something cheaper and small enough to fit in a bag (but with even better contrast), portable OLED monitors might be a better fit. Brands like Innocn make them in various sizes with different screen capabilities, but the company’s 13.3-inch 1080p model — which connects via USB-C — is a steal at $99.99, its current price for Amazon Prime members. Otherwise, it’s $129.99 on Amazon for those without a premium membership.
Innocn 13.3-inch OLED Full HD 1080p Portable Monitor
A USB-C hub for connecting accessories and a display
The great thing about laptops with USB-C ports is that the ecosystem of compatible accessories is vast. However, the Neo has only two USB-C ports, meaning you’ll likely need to prioritize which devices to plug in at any given moment. Thankfully, you can easily expand your Neo’s capabilities with an affordable USB-C hub like Anker’s 7-in-1 model, which can expand a single port into seven for around $26 at Amazon and through Anker directly.
Not only can you use it to charge your laptop (it supports up to 85W passthrough speeds), but it also provides an HDMI port and another USB-C port, plus two USB-A ports and both full-size and microSD card readers. It’s a must-have, if you don’t already have one.
A screen protector to shield the Neo’s most fragile component
The first accessory I put on all my pricey devices that have a display is a screen protector. Several brands make them, but I always gravitate toward amFilm, which makes a tempered glass protector for the Neo that’s currently going for just $19.99 on Amazon.
Not everyone will feel the urge to buy this upgrade. But it’s never a bad idea to protect your purchase, since it might just save you from a pricey repair down the road. The protector from amFilm is easy to install, and it’s anti-scratch and anti-fingerprint, too.
AmFilm tempered glass screen protector for the MacBook Neo
If you, like me, are someone who absolutely babies their tech, you may also feel inclined to get a snap-on shell that can fit perfectly around your MacBook Neo without hiding its sleek design or color. The multicolored, matte-textured options from Mosiso seem nicer than other options, and it’s about $24 at Amazon. The plastic shells typically cost around $20, and the company claims that they don’t hinder the Neo’s ability to close. They’re also built to resist scratches, fingerprint smudging, and unwanted cracks.
Laptop stands serve different purposes for different folks. Some people want to use their laptop’s keyboard at an angle that’s more ergonomically friendly, while others may simply want to bring their laptop’s display closer to eye level. And some people may want all of those benefits. Whatever your need, Moft’s $25 Adhesive Stand is great because it’s only there when you need it. The handy laptop stand folds into itself (unlike pricier, bulkier options) and features a low-profile design that’s barely there when you need to slide your Neo into a bag.
Liquid ingress in a keyboard is one of the main reasons why a laptop dies before its time. Dust and crumbs certainly don’t help, either, as they can clog things up and prevent your keys from pressing. A lightweight keyboard cover that gently lies over the keys, thus preserving their look, feel, and backlighting, is a nice, cheap accessory that can keep dust out. Uppercase’s GhostCover is just under $13 at Amazon. It may not stop a flood of water, coffee, or your beverage of choice from getting into your Neo after a spill, but it’ll likely help limit the damage.
One important note is that this keyboard cover is only compatible with the $699 version that has a 512GB SSD and, crucially, a Touch ID fingerprint sensor. It won’t fit the $599 version correctly.
The Neo’s built-in trackpad is large and responsive, but you may want to use an input off to the side for ergonomic reasons (you might also be more comfortable with a mouse). In the case of mice, there are numerous models that work with macOS — either dongle-free over Bluetooth or with a USB receiver — but the best, most feature-packed model you can currently buy is the $119.99 Logitech MX Master 4 from Amazon, Newegg, and Logitech directly. It’s a right-handed mouse that’s comfortable and high-end, with a haptics-based thumb button that can surface on-screen shortcuts to make navigating both a bit faster and easier. It also connects via Bluetooth or with its included USB-C dongle.
Another option for trackpad lovers is Apple’s official Magic Trackpad. It’s a bigger standalone trackpad than the one built into the Neo, but you can position it wherever you’d like. It starts at $119.99 from Amazon and is rechargeable via USB-C, just like the laptop, and connects wirelessly over Bluetooth.
As often as you may be at home or otherwise near a power outlet while using your MacBook Neo, sometimes you need to take it on the go. A power bank is great for rescuing depleted gadgets, or keeping them topped off until you settle down again with a power outlet. They range in price and capabilities, but given the Neo’s 30W peak charging speed, you don’t need anything extravagant on that front.
Baseus’ 20,000mAh power bank with two built-in USB-C cables, which can supply up to 45W of power, should more than suffice. It’s on sale at Amazon for $31.99 right now, and its size should allow it to charge your Neo at least once, or you can charge your laptop alongside up to three other devices at reduced charging speeds.
Baseus EnerFill FC11 Power Bank with Dual Built-in Cables
For something with more capacity that offers similar versatility thanks to its two built-in USB-C cables (one of which can extend), Anker’s 25,000mAh Laptop Power Bank is a popular choice among Verge readers. It’s significantly pricier at around $120 — though it’s currently on sale for $95.99 at Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart — and it can deliver a combined output of 165W when charging multiple devices at once.
For tinkerers, mix and match official Apple components for a customized look
It was recently discovered that Apple sells spare parts for the MacBook Neo, which are intended for repair, not necessarily for the funsies I’m about to describe. That said, you can buy parts in the color of your choosing (silver, indigo, blush, citrus) to make a fun, unique Neo that will likely attract some eyeballs when you use it in public.
Granted, it’s not affordable to make these customizations; the bottom metal case is the cheapest upgrade at $34.32, and a complete set of key caps runs $39. You’re also on your own when it comes to installing them, so it’s not a project that I’d recommend for beginner tinkerers, since you’re at risk of damaging your laptop.
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Dominic Preston<![CDATA[Nothing makes it easy to share files between any Android phone and a Mac]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9123172026-04-15T09:31:33-04:002026-04-15T08:45:43-04:00
Images and text upload in seconds, but for bigger files Warp is too slow compared to direct device-to-device connections.
I test Android phones for a living, but I write about them using a company-supplied MacBook Air. Both platforms are great in their own right, but they're not so great at talking to one another. On a handful of Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones you can now AirDrop files directly to Apple machines; Nothing's new Warp app hopes to solve the problem for the rest of us, offering a seamless(ish) way to send files and text between one machine and the other.
Warp is the combination of an Android app and a browser extension, which means it'll only be helpful if you use a Chrome-based browser capable of installing the extension - but that does m …
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Emma Roth<![CDATA[You can make a multicolor MacBook Neo out of Apple’s spare parts]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9111722026-04-13T13:13:35-04:002026-04-13T13:08:31-04:00
If you're having trouble deciding on a color for a new MacBook Neo, you might not have to choose just one. The folks over at MacWorld found that Apple doesn't appear to limit the colors of spare parts you can buy for your Neo, potentially allowing you to deck out your indigo laptop with pink-tinted keyboard caps or a citrus green bottom cover.
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Antonio G. Di Benedetto<![CDATA[The Neo Effect: How Apple’s cheapest Mac is changing the PC game]]>https://www.theverge.com/?post_type=vm_stream&p=9047052026-04-15T17:17:07-04:002026-04-08T14:21:50-04:00
This thing is poised to eat their lunch. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
The MacBook Neo is disrupting the laptop space and putting Apple into the conversation as a value option like it’s never been before. With a price starting at $599 (or $499 for students and teachers), the colorful laptop’s A18 Pro chip may be stolen from older iPads and iPhones, but it offers more than enough performance for everyday tasks and web browsing.
From the screen sharpness to trackpad/keyboard feel and its aluminum build, everything else about it is in line with more expensive MacBooks.
And that means PC makers have a hot new competitor to contend with and adapt to — one that they weren’t ready for. Here’s all the news and analysis of Apple’s Mac for the masses.
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Cameron FaulknerSheena Vasani<![CDATA[The best deals on MacBooks right now]]>https://www.theverge.com/22399419/apple-macbook-air-pro-mac-mini-imac-deals2026-04-06T14:50:06-04:002026-04-06T14:50:06-04:00
The MacBook Neo (left) next to the 15-inch MacBook Air. | Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge
It’s 2026, and that means Apple sells MacBooks equipped with not just its capable M-series processors but A-series chips that were previously exclusive to the iPhone. With the MacBook Neo starting at $599, the company now offers a wider range of options with more sizes and price points than ever before, all of which run the company’s newest operating system, macOS 26.
Purchasing a new MacBook is easy if all you want is an affordable laptop. But if you have more specific needs and use cases that require a lot of power, or if you want to connect multiple 6K displays, it gets more complicated. That said, finding a deal on a relatively speedy model is surprisingly easy if you know where to look.
These days, it’s not uncommon to see various MacBooks discounted by up to $800, although the quality of deals fluctuates frequently. Alternatively, purchasing refurbished options directly from Apple is another way to save some money without waiting for the changing deal winds to blow in your favor. It’s also the only option to find certain configurations of older models as Apple continues to launch newer versions. Apple’s refurbished store offers a one-year warranty and generally discounts units by up to 20 percent off their original prices.
But if you want to buy new and you’re looking to save whatever you can, here are the best MacBook Neo, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini deals available.
The best MacBook Neo deals
Apple recently launched the MacBook Neo, a 13-inch laptop that aims to take on premium Chromebooks and midrange Windows laptops. Its design is somewhat similar to other MacBook models, but there are a handful of differences, ranging from the placement of the headphone jack and speakers to the thickness of the screen’s bezel (there’s also no keyboard backlighting). The most notable difference, however, is what powers it: the Neo runs on Apple’s A18 Pro chipset, which debuted in the iPhone 16 Pro. It also comes with either 256GB or 512GB of storage, although it’s capped at 8GB of RAM. If you’re curious about how it stacks up to Apple’s pricier MacBooks, our full review is chock-full of benchmarks and insights.
There are currently no big cash discounts available on the budget laptop — unless you count Amazon’s paltry $10 discount on the 512GB configuration.
In March, Apple released an updated 13.6- and 15.3-inch MacBook Air with an M5 processor. In almost every way, there’s nothing new here, except for the processor, the starting price, and the amount of storage you get in the base model. The most affordable option retails for $1,099 — $100 more than the cheapest M4 model — but it offers twice as much storage at 512GB. Not just that, Apple says its SSD is faster than the last-gen model (the company claims its read / write speeds are twice as fast). It also supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 7, which are spec improvements that may or may not matter to you, or yield noticeable improvements over the previous model.
The smaller of the two models with an M5 processor (10-core CPU, 8-core GPU), 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD is down to an all-time low of $949 or so ($150 off) at Amazon and Best Buy. Meanwhile, the larger version — which is similar but offers a 10-core GPU, a larger battery, and a slightly higher-res screen due to its size (but with the same 224 pixels-per-inch clarity) — is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy starting at $1,149 (also $150 off).
13-inch MacBook Air (M5)
Powered by Apple’s new M5 chip, the latest MacBook Airs are more powerful than prior models and offer double the base storage (512GB). They also support faster wireless standards, specifically Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Read our review.
Apple’s latest revision of the 14.2-inch MacBook Pro has the M5 processor. The generational leap will be felt most by those who have an older MacBook Pro, not those upgradingfrom the M4, unless you use specific AI apps that tap into the chip’s new Neural Accelerators. As for other design changes and upgrades to the inside and outside of this MacBook Pro, there really aren’t any major ones to note; in fact, it’s so similar to the M4 model that our reviewer Antonio Di Benedetto had to write “M5” on a sticky note just to be able to tell them apart. That being said, it’s still an amazing laptop, one that’s just now starting to get minor discounts.
The 14.2-inch base model with the M5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage is down to $1,580 ($120 off) at Amazon, which is $80 shy of its best price to date.It’s worth picking over the M4 MacBook Pro, though, especially since that model is tough to find in stock and, more importantly, currently costs more than the newer, better version.
Apple’s recent announce-a-thon included the debut of M5 Pro and M5 Max versions of its MacBook Pro lineup, giving content creators new machines to lust over. Like the other laptops introduced for 2026 (except the Neo), not much has changed on the outside compared to the last-gen version. However, prices for each configuration have gone up; the M5 Pro model starts $200 higher than the M4 Pro, while the M5 Max is $400 more than the starting M4 Max. Similarly, they’re available in 14- and 16-inch configurations, and each starts with 1TB of storage and 24GB of RAM, with plenty of upgrade paths for those with deep pockets.
Amazon and Best Buy are both offering a $150 discount on most configurations featuring the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, regardless of size. For instance, the base 14.2-inch MacBook Pro with an M5 Pro chip, 24GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD is down to $2,049.99. Meanwhile, the upgraded 2TB version is on sale for around $2,449 ($150 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, while the base M5 Max variant with a 2TB SSD and 36GB RAM is going for $3,449.99 at Amazon, down from $3,599. The 16-inch configurations are $150 off, too, starting with the base M5 Pro model, which is available for $2,549.99 at Amazon.
Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max, 2026)
The M5 Pro and M5 Max versions of the latest MacBook Pro deliver exceptional power and speed, making them ideal for creative work while offering best-in-class battery life. Read our review.
The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips launched with a big increase in RAM over the previous generation, bringing them up to 24GB. While the total port selection didn’t change compared to their respective M3 Pro and M3 Max counterparts, these more substantial models brought faster Thunderbolt 5 ports. That’s in addition to the SD slot, a dedicated full-sized HDMI port, and a 3.5mm jack. They also had the upgraded 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam with Desk View, as well as the optional nano-texture display option.
As of right now, the M4 Pro-equipped MacBook Pro is the only model receiving significant discounts. For example, the 14-inch M4 Pro with a 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage is available at Amazon starting at $1,808.99 ($190 off) in space black. It’s a solid discount, especially considering that Apple’s most affordable M5 Pro model currently costs nearly $250 more.
The newest Mac Minis in town are the M4-based models that arrived in 2024. Apple reduced the desktop’s horizontal footprint and paired it with its M4 chipset and 16GB of RAM, which is double that of the previous generation and in line with other base-model Macs from 2024. That makes Apple’s newest desktop computer a tremendous value.
M4 Mac Mini
The M4 Mac Mini starts with an M4 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage for $599. That’s an incredible value for a tiny desktop computer that can rival the Mac Studio and Mac Pro when it comes to certain tasks, including light gaming, 4K video editing, and 3D modeling. The M4 Mac Mini is a fair bit thicker than the last-gen M2 model at 2 inches tall, yet it measures a mere 5 inches wide and 5 inches deep.
In addition to the odd decision to place the power button on the underside, Apple moved the 3.5mm headphone jack and two of its five USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 ports to the front. The rear features an additional three Thunderbolt ports, HDMI-out, and a gigabit ethernet port.
In the past, we’ve seen the base Mac Mini drop to as low as $469, but right now, the sales aren’t particularly noteworthy. The base model of Apple’s Mac Mini is available at Amazon and Apple for $599, its regular price. The M4 Pro model that comes with faster Thunderbolt 5 ports, 24GB RAM, and 512GB storage starts at $1,399 at Apple.
Update, April 6th: Updated to reflect current pricing / availability, as well as the last-gen M4 models.
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Richard Lawler<![CDATA[Apple’s Mac Pro is dead, apparently for good this time]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9020502026-03-26T18:24:50-04:002026-03-26T18:21:05-04:00
The most expensive Mac you could get is no longer available on Apple's website, as 9to5Mac reports that the "cheese grater" Mac Pro workstation has been discontinued. It had been a part of the lineup since replacing the Power Mac G5 in 2006 when Apple shifted from Arm to Intel processors, but it's had the feeling of a vestigial limb ever since Apple dropped Intel for its own M-series chips.
The M2 Ultra edition of the Mac Pro launched three years ago, with Apple hardware exec and possible future CEO John Ternus saying that "for those users who need the versatility of internal expansion, Mac Pro combines PCIe slots with our most powerful ch …
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Richard LawlerJess Weatherbed<![CDATA[Apple’s WWDC 2026 event starts June 8th]]>https://www.theverge.com/898997/apples-wwdc-2025-event-starts-june-9th2026-03-23T13:45:20-04:002026-03-23T13:21:53-04:00
Apple has set a date for this year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), scheduling the keynote and Platforms State of the Union for June 8th through June 12th at Apple Park. As usual, we will be tuned in to find out what's new in the 2027-branded editions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. After last year's round of glassy visual tweaks, many are waiting for Apple Intelligence to deliver on delayed features, such as an AI upgrade for Siri.
In its press release, Apple says, "WWDC26 will spotlight incredible updates for Apple platforms, including AI advancements and exciting new software and developer tools."
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Antonio G. Di Benedetto<![CDATA[The new MacBook Pro is still fast as hell]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8980622026-03-20T14:58:59-04:002026-03-21T08:00:00-04:00
It just looks like, well, most other MacBook Pros. | Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge
Apple's flagship 16-inch MacBook Pro has reigned supreme in the world of creator-focused laptops since its M-series processor overhaul in 2021. Since then, we've mostly seen the same design with year-over-year chip bumps and small refinements. "If it ain't broke," right?
If you want to know everything about this machine, you can read our review of the last-gen M4 Pro / M4 Max models - it pretty much all holds up with the M5 models that replace them. But this time around, in addition to the usual testing and use of the new M5 Max model, it's worth asking a specific new question: whether you should consider a new MacBook Pro if you're current …
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Cameron FaulknerBrandon Widder<![CDATA[Here’s where you can buy Apple’s budget-friendly MacBook Neo]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8882852026-03-11T12:21:54-04:002026-03-11T09:34:26-04:00
The MacBook Neo is Apple’s newest, most affordable laptop. Our final verdict? It punches way above similarly-priced laptops in terms of design, and the performance isn’t bad either. If you can’t afford the MacBook Air, or you aren’t sure if its extra features or power are worth it to you, the Neo may be a really good pick. This laptop starts at $599, and goes down to $499 if you’re able to get an educational discount.
At first glance, the Neo is not that different from Apple’s other laptops, even if its four colors are more 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.
Here’s where you can buy the Neo in its 256GB or 512GB configuration.
Update, March 11th: This post now reflects that the Neo is available to purchase online and in stores. However, the $25 gift card promotion at Best Buy has expired.
