Apple has scrapped plans to add a touch screen to its budget MacBook Neo 2, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman revealed on Sunday, ending hopes for a touchscreen upgrade on the entry-level laptop expected next year. Gurman, in his Power On newsletter, reported that while Apple is considering the feature for a high-end MacBook Pro scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027, the Neo remains off-limits. The change leaves the $599 device touch-free for the foreseeable future.
The original MacBook Neo launched recently after production delays in late 2025, featuring an A18 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM in a bid to undercut Chromebooks and low-cost Windows rivals. Gurman's revelation follows a rollercoaster of analyst speculation. In September 2025, Ming-Chi Kuo suggested the successor 'could' include a touch screen to remain competitive, noting that over half of Chromebooks already have the feature. Last week, however, Kuo tempered his view to 'may,' signalling second thoughts.
