Technologies

Apple Accidentally Leaks Potential Budget MacBook Ahead of Big Event

The ‘MacBook Neo’ just showed up in Apple’s regulatory documents. Could this be the budget MacBook we’ve been waiting for?

It’s been a busy week for Apple: The company has already revealed the new iPhone 17E and refreshes for the iPad Air, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. But there’s still a big hands-on press event scheduled for Wednesday — and Apple may have accidentally shown its hand by posting (and then removing) a regulatory document that confirms the existence of a «MacBook Neo.»

The regulatory PDF was posted on Apple’s official website in compliance with EU law. While the file didn’t contain the product’s name, the link to the regulatory document listed Apple’s Model A3404 as the MacBook Neo. Though Apple has removed the file from its official website, MacRumors uploaded a mirror of the document.

The MacBook Neo could be the long-rumored budget MacBook. It’s the single Apple product we strongly suspected to see during the company’s spring refresh schedule that hasn’t made its debut yet, and as a completely new product, it makes sense that it would be the linchpin of the «special Apple Experience.»

The budget MacBook is rumored to be outfitted with an iPhone chip like the A18 Pro or the A19 Pro, which means it’ll have less processing power than other current-generation MacBooks. It could also have a smaller 12-inch LCD screen.

While previous reports pointed to a potential price of $599 for the MacBook Neo, the M5 MacBook Air announcement could complicate things.

The MacBook Air — which is currently the cheapest product in Apple’s laptop lineup — had its price increased from $999 to $1,099. The budget MacBook might have a distinctive place in the product lineup if its rumored price point is true, but this could also mean the MacBook Neo is priced higher than we previously expected.

A representative for Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

CNET experts will be on the ground reporting hands-on experiences from the New York Apple Experience on March 4. While there’s no event livestream this time around, any new products will be posted on the Apple Newsroom website as they are announced.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im