MacBook Neo 13-inch (A3404) with the Apple A18 Pro chip, 8GB unified memory, and 256GB SSD storage is now in stock at KSh 101,000 at Mascom International, Old Mutual Building, First Floor Room 4, Kimathi Street, Nairobi CBD, with countrywide delivery and payment on arrival across all 47 counties in Kenya. Apple announced the MacBook Neo on March 4, 2026, and released it on March 11, 2026, positioning it as the most accessible MacBook ever made — the first Mac to run an A-series chip instead of the M-series found in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The MacBook Neo 13-inch packs the same A18 Pro processor found inside the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max into a full-size aluminum laptop body weighing just 1.23 kg (2.7 pounds), delivering Geekbench 6 single-core scores of 3,461 that surpass the M1, M2, and M3 chips while landing within 7% of the current M4. Users report smooth daily performance across web browsing, document editing, video streaming, and light creative tasks — exactly the workloads that matter for the majority of laptop buyers in Kenya's market.
MacBook Neo 13-inch speaks directly to Kenya's university students, young professionals starting their careers, small business owners managing daily operations, freelance writers, online content creators, and first-time Mac buyers who want genuine Apple build quality and ecosystem access without the price tag of the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. The A18 Pro's 6-core CPU (2 performance cores at 4.0 GHz and 4 efficiency cores) handles multiple Safari tabs, Microsoft Office documents, Zoom calls, and social media management simultaneously — the kinds of tasks that define a typical workday for professionals across Nairobi's business districts and university campuses throughout Kenya. Apple Intelligence comes built into the MacBook Neo 13-inch, giving users writing tools, image creation, notification summaries, and Siri enhancements that work directly on the device rather than relying on cloud processing, which matters in areas where internet connectivity may be inconsistent.
Unlike other entry-level laptops available from electronics retailers in Kenya that use plastic bodies and dim screens, the MacBook Neo 13-inch features the same recycled aluminum construction found across Apple's entire MacBook lineup, a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with 2408 x 1506 resolution at 500 nits brightness supporting 1 billion colors, and completely silent fanless operation through passive cooling. At Mascom International, we have seen strong interest from buyers who previously considered the MacBook Air but found the price point a step beyond their current budget — the MacBook Neo 13-inch fills that gap with genuine Apple quality. The device ships with macOS Tahoe, runs every Mac-compatible application, and receives the same software updates as every other Mac in the lineup, meaning buyers get long-term software support and security protection from day one.
What processor powers the MacBook Neo and how does it perform for daily tasks?
MacBook Neo 13-inch runs on the Apple A18 Pro chip, built on TSMC's second-generation 3nm process, featuring a 6-core CPU with 2 performance cores clocked at 4.0 GHz and 4 efficiency cores, a 5-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and a 16-core Neural Engine. In Geekbench 6 testing, the MacBook Neo 13-inch scored 3,461 in single-core and 8,668 in multi-core benchmarks — single-core performance that exceeds the M1 chip by 47%, beats both the M2 and M3, and comes within 6-7% of the current M4. For the tasks most Kenya-based buyers will perform daily — browsing multiple websites, editing documents in Pages or Microsoft Word, managing email, running video calls through Zoom or Google Meet, and streaming content — this chip delivers responsive, lag-free performance. The A18 Pro was originally designed for iPhone 16 Pro's tight thermal constraints, which means it runs extremely efficiently inside the MacBook Neo 13-inch's larger aluminum chassis, delivering more consistent sustained performance than it achieves in a phone. Apple claims the A18 Pro is up to 50% faster for everyday tasks compared to the best-selling PC laptop with the latest Intel Core Ultra 5 processor at the same price point.
How long does the MacBook Neo battery actually last on a single charge?
Apple rates the MacBook Neo 13-inch for up to 16 hours of video streaming and 11 hours of wireless web browsing from its built-in 36.5-watt-hour lithium-ion battery, and independent testing from Tom's Guide measured 13 hours and 28 minutes of continuous web surfing at 150 nits brightness. That kind of endurance means a university student in Kenya can attend a full day of lectures, complete assignments in the library, and still have charge remaining for evening entertainment without ever plugging in. The A18 Pro's efficiency plays a significant role here — this chip was engineered for battery-sensitive iPhone use, and that same power efficiency translates directly into all-day laptop endurance despite the MacBook Neo 13-inch carrying a smaller battery (36.5Wh) than the MacBook Air's 53.8Wh unit. The included 20W USB-C power adapter handles overnight charging, and the MacBook Neo accepts up to 30W charging from higher-wattage adapters for faster top-ups when time is limited between classes or meetings.
What does the 13-inch Liquid Retina display offer for everyday viewing?
The MacBook Neo 13-inch features a 13.0-inch LED-backlit Liquid Retina display with IPS technology, a native resolution of 2408 x 1506 at 219 pixels per inch, 500 nits brightness, and support for 1 billion colors in the sRGB color space. Text appears sharp and clear for reading documents, web pages, and academic materials throughout extended study and work sessions, while photos and videos display with accurate color reproduction and strong contrast. This is the first MacBook since the 2022 MacBook Pro to feature a notchless display — the 1080p FaceTime HD camera sits within a slim uniform bezel at the top, giving you an uninterrupted viewing experience across the entire screen. At 500 nits, the display remains comfortably readable in bright indoor environments and even during outdoor use at campus cafeterias or coffee shops across Nairobi. While the MacBook Neo 13-inch uses sRGB rather than the P3 wide color gamut found on the MacBook Air and Pro, the difference is minimal for everyday tasks like document work, web browsing, social media content, and video streaming — most users will find the display quality noticeably better than what competing laptops offer at this price.
How much can I store on 256GB and is it enough for a student or professional?
The 256GB SSD in the MacBook Neo 13-inch provides space for the macOS operating system, a full suite of productivity applications including Pages, Numbers, Keynote, GarageBand, and iMovie, plus approximately 180-200GB of usable storage for personal files, documents, photos, and downloaded media. For a university student managing lecture notes, research papers, presentations, and reference materials, 256GB handles several years of academic work comfortably. Business professionals using the MacBook Neo for email, document editing, web-based applications, and video conferencing will find the storage sufficient for daily operations. Apple's iCloud integration means photos, documents, and desktop files can sync automatically to the cloud, freeing local storage for applications and active projects. The NVMe SSD delivers read speeds around 1,735 MB/s and write speeds of approximately 1,684 MB/s — fast enough for quick application launches, near-instant document access, and system boot times of roughly 15 seconds from powered off to ready. Keep in mind that both RAM and storage on the MacBook Neo are soldered and cannot be upgraded after purchase — buyers who anticipate needing more space for large media libraries, extensive photo collections, or video editing projects should consider the 512GB variant available at Mascom International for KSh 113,000, which also adds Touch ID fingerprint authentication.
Does the MacBook Neo work with external displays and peripherals?
The MacBook Neo 13-inch comes with two USB-C ports on the left side and a 3.5mm headphone jack on the right. The USB-C port closest to the rear supports USB 3 speeds up to 10 Gb/s and DisplayPort 1.4 for connecting one external display at up to 4K resolution at 60Hz. The second USB-C port supports USB 2 speeds up to 480 Mb/s and charging. Both ports can charge the laptop simultaneously. For professionals and students who want to work with a larger screen at home or in the office, the MacBook Neo drives a single 4K external monitor comfortably — connect it through the USB 3 port using a USB-C to HDMI adapter or a USB-C hub. The 3.5mm headphone jack supports standard headphones and external speakers for private listening during study sessions or after-hours entertainment. While the MacBook Neo 13-inch does not include Thunderbolt connectivity, the USB 3 port handles external storage devices, USB hubs, and display connections for the peripheral setups that students and everyday professionals typically need throughout their daily routines in Kenya.
What connectivity features does the MacBook Neo offer for wireless use?
MacBook Neo connects through Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 6, providing fast and reliable wireless internet access across home networks, university Wi-Fi systems, office environments, and public hotspots throughout Kenya. Wi-Fi 6E extends into the 6GHz frequency band where available, reducing congestion and delivering faster speeds in environments with many connected devices — particularly useful in crowded lecture halls, co-working spaces, and busy office buildings. Bluetooth 6 maintains stable connections with wireless headphones, keyboards, mice, and other accessories. The dual-microphone array with directional beamforming isolates your voice clearly during video calls, while Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum microphone modes let you choose between focused voice clarity or capturing the full room sound depending on your call environment. The 1080p FaceTime HD camera provides clear video quality for professional calls, online lectures, and family conversations.
How does the MacBook Neo compare to similarly priced Windows laptops available in Kenya?
The MacBook Neo 13-inch outperforms typical Windows laptops in this price range across several measurable categories. In benchmark testing, the A18 Pro's single-core Geekbench 6 score of 3,461 exceeds what most Intel Core Ultra 5 and AMD Ryzen 5 processors deliver in budget laptops. The aluminum body construction contrasts with the plastic chassis found on most sub-KSh 100,000 Windows machines, providing better durability and a more professional appearance for business meetings and academic settings. Battery life at 13+ hours of continuous web use surpasses the 7-9 hours typical of Windows laptops in this price range — the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, a direct competitor, managed less than 9 hours in the same test. The fanless design means completely silent operation during meetings, lectures, and library study sessions where fan noise from budget Windows laptops can become noticeable. macOS provides built-in virus protection, full-disk encryption through FileVault, and automatic software updates that reduce the maintenance burden compared to managing antivirus subscriptions and driver updates on Windows machines. For iPhone users in Kenya, the MacBook Neo 13-inch integrates naturally with AirDrop file transfers, iMessage, FaceTime, iPhone Mirroring, and Handoff continuity features.
Is Apple Intelligence available on the MacBook Neo in Kenya?
Apple Intelligence is built into the MacBook Neo 13-inch and runs directly on the A18 Pro chip's 16-core Neural Engine. Available features include writing assistance for drafting, proofreading, and rewriting text across applications, intelligent notification summaries that surface what matters most, enhanced Siri capabilities for natural language queries, and creative image tools. Because Apple Intelligence processing happens on-device rather than in the cloud, these features work regardless of your internet connection speed or availability — a practical advantage for users in areas across Kenya where connectivity may vary. Apple continues to expand Apple Intelligence features through software updates, and the MacBook Neo 13-inch will receive these additions as they become available. The 8GB unified memory architecture handles on-device AI processing for everyday tasks, though more demanding AI workloads may benefit from the larger memory configurations found in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
What colours and design options are available for the MacBook Neo?
MacBook Neo 13-inch comes in four colours: Silver, Blush (a soft pink), Citrus (a fresh yellow-green), and Indigo (a deep blue). Each colour extends to the Magic Keyboard keys in lighter coordinating shades and to the rubber feet on the bottom, creating a consistent visual identity throughout the device. The Apple logo on the rear display cover is machined directly into the aluminum surface rather than using the glass insert found on the MacBook Air and Pro. At just 1.27 cm (0.50 inches) thick and 1.23 kg, the MacBook Neo 13-inch slips into any backpack, messenger bag, or laptop sleeve without adding noticeable weight — making it practical for students commuting across Nairobi or professionals moving between meeting locations. The recycled aluminum construction provides the solid, refined feel that distinguishes Apple laptops from the plastic-bodied alternatives common in this price range. Visit Mascom International at our Kimathi Street location to see the available colours in person and experience the build quality firsthand before making your decision.
What comes in the box and what warranty coverage does the MacBook Neo carry?
The MacBook Neo 13-inch box includes the MacBook Neo laptop, a 20W USB-C Power Adapter, and a USB-C Charge Cable (1.5 metres). Note that no separate charger brick purchase is required — unlike some regional markets where Apple excludes the power adapter, the standard retail package includes everything needed to start using and charging the device immediately. The MacBook Neo 13-inch carries a standard 12-month warranty covering manufacturing defects and hardware failures under normal use conditions. Mascom International provides purchase support and after-sale guidance to help buyers navigate any warranty claims through Apple's service channels. For buyers who want extended protection, AppleCare+ can be purchased separately through Apple to extend coverage beyond the standard warranty period.
Where can I buy the MacBook Neo 256GB in Nairobi and does Mascom deliver across Kenya?
MacBook Neo 13-inch 13-inch (A3404) with 256GB storage and 8GB unified memory is available now at KSh 101,000 at Mascom International, located at Old Mutual Building, First Floor Room 4, Kimathi Street, Nairobi CBD. Visit our shop during business hours (Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM) to test the display quality, experience the build and weight, explore macOS Tahoe, and choose your preferred colour before purchasing. We provide countrywide delivery with payment on arrival throughout all 47 counties in Kenya — no upfront payment required. This means buyers in Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Thika, and every other location across Kenya can order with confidence and inspect the device before completing payment. Contact us by phone at +254 708 852 521, reach us by email at info@mascomintl.com, or visit our website at www.mascomintl.com to place your order or ask any questions about the MacBook Neo before buying.
Technical Specifications
Apple A18 Pro Processing Architecture
- Chip: Apple A18 Pro, built on TSMC second-generation 3nm (N3E) process
- CPU Configuration: 6-core CPU with 2 performance cores (up to 4.0 GHz) and 4 efficiency cores
- GPU: 5-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
- Neural Engine: 16-core Neural Engine for on-device machine learning and Apple Intelligence
- Memory Bandwidth: 60 GB/s unified memory bandwidth
- Media Engine: Hardware-accelerated H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW with dedicated video encode/decode engines and ProRes encode/decode engine, plus AV1 decode
- Geekbench 6 Scores: 3,461 single-core / 8,668 multi-core / 31,286 Metal (GPU)
- Cooling: Passive fanless design — completely silent operation under all conditions
Unified Memory and Storage
- RAM: 8GB unified memory shared between CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine
- RAM Type: Unified architecture providing both CPU and GPU direct access without data copying
- Storage: 256GB SSD (NVMe)
- Read Speed: Approximately 1,735 MB/s sequential read
- Write Speed: Approximately 1,684 MB/s sequential write
- Boot Time: Approximately 15 seconds from power-off to desktop
- Upgradability: RAM and storage are soldered — not upgradable after purchase
13-Inch Liquid Retina Display
- Screen Size: 13.0 inches (diagonal), LED-backlit with IPS technology
- Resolution: 2408 x 1506 native resolution at 219 pixels per inch
- Brightness: 500 nits
- Colour Support: 1 billion colours, sRGB colour space
- Design: Notchless display with uniform black bezels — first notchless MacBook since 2022 MacBook Pro
- True Tone: Not available
- P3 Wide Colour: Not available (sRGB only)
Keyboard, Trackpad, and Authentication
- Keyboard: Magic Keyboard with 78 (ANSI) or 79 (ISO) keys including 12 full-height function keys
- Keyboard Backlight: Not included on any MacBook Neo configuration
- Key Styling: Colour-matched keys corresponding to chassis colour
- Trackpad: Multi-Touch trackpad (mechanical click, not Force Touch/haptic)
- Touch ID: Not available on 256GB model — replaced by lock/wake button
- Authentication: Password-based login or Apple Watch unlock
Ports and Connectivity
- USB-C Port 1 (rear position): USB 3 (up to 10 Gb/s) with DisplayPort 1.4 and charging support
- USB-C Port 2 (front position): USB 2 (up to 480 Mb/s) with charging support
- Audio: 3.5mm headphone jack
- Thunderbolt: Not available
- MagSafe: Not available — USB-C charging only
- External Display: One external display up to 4K at 60Hz via USB 3 port only
Wireless Connectivity
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) — 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands where supported
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 6
Camera and Audio
- Camera: 1080p FaceTime HD camera with computational video processing
- Microphones: Dual-microphone array with directional beamforming
- Microphone Modes: Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum
- Speakers: Dual side-firing speaker system with Spatial Audio support for Dolby Atmos content
Battery and Charging
- Battery Capacity: 36.5-watt-hour lithium-ion battery
- Video Streaming: Up to 16 hours
- Wireless Web Browsing: Up to 11 hours
- Independent Test: 13 hours 28 minutes continuous web surfing (Tom's Guide, 150 nits brightness)
- Included Charger: 20W USB-C Power Adapter
- Highest Accepted Charge Rate: Accepts up to 30W USB-C charging
- Battery Cycle Limit: 1,000 cycles before battery health reaches 80%
Physical Dimensions and Build
- Height: 1.27 cm (0.50 inches)
- Width: 29.75 cm (11.71 inches)
- Depth: 20.64 cm (8.12 inches)
- Weight: 1.23 kg (2.7 pounds)
- Material: Recycled aluminum enclosure (90% recycled aluminum)
- Colours: Silver, Blush, Citrus, Indigo
Operating System and Software
- Operating System: macOS Tahoe (launched with version 26.3)
- Apple Intelligence: Supported with on-device processing via 16-core Neural Engine
- Built-in Applications: Safari, Mail, Messages, FaceTime, Photos, iMovie, GarageBand, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and more
- iPhone Integration: iPhone Mirroring, AirDrop, Handoff, Universal Clipboard
- Repairability: Rated by iFixit as Apple's most repairable laptop in 14 years
Package Contents
- MacBook Neo 13-inch laptop
- 20W USB-C Power Adapter (included in standard retail package)
- USB-C Charge Cable (1.5 metres)
Warranty and Service
- Warranty: 12-month standard warranty covering manufacturing defects and hardware issues
- Extended Protection: AppleCare+ available for purchase separately
Note: No local Apple service centre in Kenya — warranty service handled through Apple's international service channels with Mascom International providing purchase support and guidance
Availability and Purchase
- Price: KSh 101,000
- Location: Mascom International, Old Mutual Building, First Floor Room 4, Kimathi Street, Nairobi CBD
- Business Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Closed Sundays)
- Delivery: Countrywide delivery with payment on arrival across all 47 counties in Kenya
- Contact: Phone +254 708 852 521 | Email info@mascomintl.com | Website www.mascomintl.com