Apple Doubles MacBook Neo Production Amid Surge in Demand for $599 Laptop Apple has significantly increased production of its MacBook Neo laptop, doubling output for 2026 to 10 million units from an initial forecast of 5 to 6 million. The decision follows a surge in demand for the $599 device, which has disrupted the budget laptop market and exceeded expectations. Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted that the production increase reflects strong early sales after the laptop’s March 11 launch. During Apple’s April earnings call, CEO Tim Cook described customer response as “off the charts,” revealing that demand had surpassed internal projections even before the product shipped. Market research firm IDC reported that Apple shipped 1.1 million MacBook Neo units in the first quarter of 2026, despite the laptop being available for only about three weeks during that period. Shipments spiked sharply from early April onward, with demand exceeding expectations in multiple countries. In India, for example, retailers struggled to secure inventory despite the Neo starting at ₹69,900 (approximately $733), which is about $530 less than the entry-level MacBook Air. The laptop’s affordability has made it a standout in a market where Windows laptops have faced rising prices due to global RAM shortages. The MacBook Neo’s success is partly attributed to broader market conditions. As competitors like Dell grapple with supply chain challenges, Apple’s $599 entry price has become increasingly attractive. Dell responded to the Neo’s success by unveiling a redesigned XPS 13 starting at $699, positioning it as a direct competitor while acknowledging the demand Apple’s machine had created. This shift highlights the Neo’s role in reshaping the budget laptop segment.#apple #dell #tim_cook #ming_chi_kuo #idc
