Apple’s $599 MacBook Neo Smashes Records: Best Launch Week Ever For New Mac Users

Apple's colorful and budget-conscious MacBook Neo is bringing in new users to the Mac ecosystem in record numbers, with CEO Tim Cook announcing on X that "Mac just had its best week launch week ever for first-time Mac customers." And it's no secret why—the $599 starting price makes the MacBook Neo the most affordable MacBook ever released.

Sure, Apple needed to cut some corners to arrive at $599, or as low as $499 for anyone who qualifies for an education discount. Even so, the MacBook Neo is surprising a lot of people and has emerged as a viable threat to competitors in the lower-cost laptop space.

Mac just had its best launch week ever for first-time Mac customers. We love seeing the enthusiasm!

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 20, 2026

The biggest drawback to the MacBook Neo, at least on paper, is the combination of an A18 Pro ...