This week, Apple unveiled a slew of new products, ranging from the anticipated iPhone 17E to the latest MacBook Pro models powered by the cutting-edge M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. While these announcements certainly grabbed headlines, it’s the introduction of the affordable MacBook Neo that has arguably made the biggest impact. Starting at just $599 for the 256GB version and $699 for the 512GB model, the MacBook Neo positions itself as an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a fresh Apple experience.
However, beyond the specs and pricing, one aspect of the MacBook Neo has captured the most attention: its new color options. Apple has introduced four distinct shades for this model—silver, blush, citrus, and indigo—and these vibrant choices have sparked lively discussions, especially among tech enthusiasts and Apple fans. To get a sense of which color resonates most, CNET polled its staff, uncovering some interesting insights about preferences and perceptions around the new palette.
Predictably, silver, the classic Apple color, ranked at the bottom of the list. Although silver remains a safe and popular choice for many, especially those who prefer a clean, understated look, it lacks the excitement and novelty that consumers often crave with new releases. As one might expect, the default silver option didn’t generate much buzz because it’s familiar territory—an Apple staple that doesn’t offer a visual upgrade or a fresh take on the brand’s aesthetic.
On the other hand, the other three colors—blush, citrus, and indigo—were much more popular among the CNET team, with citrus and indigo leading the pack. The MacBook Neo’s color lineup from top to bottom includes blush, silver, indigo, and citrus, each bringing a distinct vibe to the device.
Josh Goldman, Managing Editor at CNET, shared his thoughts from the New York Apple event, noting that citrus was the crowd favorite at the unveiling. However, he personally wasn’t sold on it, describing citrus as a "yellow-green" hue that didn’t appeal to him. His preference leaned toward blush, which he appreciated for its subtlety and the way it shifts from silver to pink depending on the lighting—an elegant touch that adds dimension to the device’s look.
Sarah McDermott, Senior Copy Editor, was more critical of the citrus shade, calling it the "worst of both worlds." She too favored blush, aligning with Goldman’s opinion that it offers a sophisticated and appealing aesthetic. Meanwhile, Senior Editor Lori Grunin expressed her dislike for citrus, jokingly telling the color to "get your green out of my yellow." She also shared mixed feelings about blush, finding all-pink devices generally unattractive. If she were to choose a MacBook Neo, Grunin would opt for the indigo, which she found more appealing.
Indigo emerged as the top contender in the CNET office beauty pageant, earning the most votes for good reason. It’s a calming, rich shade that brings to mind the deep blue color of the iPhone 17 Pro, making it a stylish and modern choice for Apple fans looking for something a bit more sophisticated and less conventional than silver or blush.
James Bricknell, Senior Editor, provided an interesting take on the citrus color, describing it as "more like a lemon that’s not quite ripe" rather than a bright, sunny yellow. Still, he favored citrus among the available options, revealing a personal penchant for the color since his iPad also sports a yellow hue. Bricknell highlighted that citrus is simply "the most fun color that Apple makes," underscoring the joy that a playful, vibrant color can bring to everyday tech.
Personally, I also find citrus to be the most appealing of the four shades, followed closely by indigo. Although I’m not typically drawn to pastel colors, blush pink stands out as a lovely, understated shade that adds a touch of warmth and personality. The silver color, by contrast, clearly falls flat in terms of excitement and originality.
When the votes were tallied, indigo took the crown with 38% of the vote, narrowly edging out citrus, which garnered 35%. Blush secured a respectable 23%, while silver lagged far behind with only 4%. These results speak to a broader trend among consumers who are seeking more distinctive and expressive color options in their tech devices, moving away from the safe and predictable.
Reflecting on this trend, I can’t