The MacBook Neo sold 1.1 million units in just three weeks. With its $599 price tag, it helped Apple expand its market share and directly threaten Windows PC manufacturers.
According to market research firm IDC data shared with TechCrunch , Apple shipped 1.1 million MacBook Neo units in the quarter ending in March, surpassing the launch sales of the recently released MacBook Air M5 (900,000) and MacBook Pro M5 (550,000).
IDC Vice President Navkendar Singh said that Neo has only been on sale for about three weeks in the quarter since mid-March, and that this figure is therefore remarkable. He also added that shipments started to increase from the beginning of April.
According to Apple CEO Tim Cook, the success of the MacBook Neo exceeded all of Apple’s expectations. Photo: Cnet
Launched in early March with a starting price of $599, and about 45% cheaper than the standard MacBook Air, the MacBook Neo is making Macs more accessible to users.
This laptop model retains much of Apple’s design language and high-end feel, including an aluminum chassis and a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, but compromises on some elements to achieve a lower price; for example, it uses the A18 Pro chip instead of an M-series processor and offers only 8GB of memory in the standard version.
So far, the market seems to be responding positively to Apple’s strategy. According to Singh, demand for the Neo series has exceeded expectations in many countries, and retailers are struggling to secure sufficient stock.
According to IDC, 44% of MacBook Neo models shipped worldwide in the first quarter were destined for the U.S. market.
Singh told TechCrunch , “Windows laptops are getting more expensive, and Neo’s attractive price has led to very high demand for the product . “
According to IDC senior market analyst Bharath Shenoy, the popularity of the Neo could also reshape Apple’s strategy in markets like India, where older MacBook models such as the Air M1, M2, and M3 have historically been a driver of sales growth when sold at discounted prices during promotional events.
Apple CEO Tim Cook, in his April earnings call, stated that customer response to the MacBook Neo “exceeded all expectations,” while acknowledging that the company faced supply shortages after its launch.
Apple also confirmed that, thanks in part to the Neo series, it broke a record in the number of first-time Mac buyers in the first quarter.
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According to Counterpoint Research, Neo’s significance extends beyond initial sales figures.
According to Counterpoint Vice President David Naranjo, this device helps Apple expand its traditional customer base, attract first-time Mac buyers, and compete in the affordable laptop segment where Macs have traditionally held very little market share. Naranjo added that the Neo could ultimately help Apple increase its market share in the $400-$699 laptop segment from 2% to approximately 15%.
According to him, the MacBook Neo is one of Apple’s most strategically important Mac products in recent times, especially at a time when the PC market is facing numerous challenges related to memory costs and inflation.
Mr. Singh from IDC believes that the MacBook Neo could help Apple gain more market share in the consumer and small business laptop segments.
The initial success of the MacBook Neo prompted competitors to respond. This week, Dell introduced the new XPS 13, starting at $699.
The company stated that the launch of the MacBook Neo demonstrated strong demand for high-quality laptops at more affordable prices.
Apple did not respond to a request for comment.
(According to TechCrunch)
With prices rising rapidly, gaming has become a luxury
. Everything from console prices to subscription fees and game disc prices has increased sharply, plunging gamers into an unprecedented wave of price hikes in both hardware and software.
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/apple-ban-hon-1-trieu-macbook-neo-chi-trong-3-tuan-2522362.html
