Apple Caught Off Guard by MacBook Neo's Record-Breaking Demand
Original: Apple Was Caught Off Guard by MacBook Neo's "Off the Charts" Demand
Why This Matters
Shows Apple's successful entry into budget laptop market driving Mac adoption
Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed during Thursday earnings call that MacBook Neo demand has been 'off the charts' since March launch, exceeding company expectations and driving record first-time Mac buyers despite supply constraints.
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that the MacBook Neo has generated unprecedented demand since its March unveiling, describing customer response as 'off the charts.' Despite Apple's initial optimism, the company 'undercalled' the enthusiasm level and is now facing supply constraints with 2-3 week delivery times. The laptop drove a record number of first-time Mac buyers last quarter. Released March 11 following pre-orders, the MacBook Neo starts at $599 ($499 for students) and features the A18 Pro chip from iPhone 16 Pro. Available in four colors, it represents Apple's most affordable MacBook ever.