Apple’s $599 MacBook Neo is generating hype, but it won’t kill Windows laptops. Here’s why budget Windows PCs will remain competitive.

MacBook Neo is a major shift for Apple, which has been reluctant to sell a low-end Mac laptop. It's also the first time Apple has put a smartphone chip in a Mac.

Apple on Wednesday launched the MacBook Neo, a cheaper model signaling a fresh attempt to court Windows and Chromebook users as ongoing component shortages shake the broader market.

Apple’s $599 MacBook Neo highlights Word, Excel, and PowerPoint while targeting Windows users with a “Switch from PC to Mac” campaign.

The 2026 MacBook Pro 16-inch with M5 Max is a professional-laptop powerhouse that pairs the groundbreaking efficiency of the new M5 "super core" architecture with jaw-dropping battery life and future-ready Thunderbolt 5 connectivity.

Apple's MacBook Neo is a threat to Microsoft's PC empire and the Google Chromebook's grip on the education market.