The MacBook Neo is proving to be Apple's biggest hit in years. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that shipments have been doubled from 5 to 10 million units for 2026, following CEO Tim Cook's declaration that customer response was "off the charts." Priced from $599 ($499 for students), the laptop drove a record number of first-time Mac buyers last quarter.
A success that reshapes the market
Rival Dell acknowledged the trend, launching a redesigned XPS 13 with features like a touch screen and backlit keyboard that the MacBook Neo lacks, but conceding that "there's real appetite for premium quality at accessible prices." The MacBook Neo is powered by the iPhone's A18 Pro chip and comes in vibrant colors including Citrus and Blush. For a broader perspective on Apple's 2026 strategy, see our piece on MacBook Neo, Developer Center in Berlin, Wigmore Hall.
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macOS 27 goes Apple silicon only
Meanwhile, Apple confirmed that macOS 27, to be unveiled at WWDC 2026 on June 8, will not support Intel-based Macs. It requires an M-series chip or the A18 Pro processor from the MacBook Neo. Owners of Intel Macs like the 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020) or the Mac Pro (2019) can stay on macOS 26 Tahoe and receive security updates for three years, but cannot upgrade. This marks the end of the Intel transition. More details on the MacBook Neo's record-breaking run can be found in our related coverage (link placeholder, adjust as needed).
Apple also stated that Rosetta will be included through macOS 27 for Intel app compatibility, after which only a subset will remain for legacy gaming titles. The combination of the wildly popular MacBook Neo and the exclusive move to Apple silicon for macOS accelerates Apple's unified ecosystem, pushing Intel users to consider an upgrade. External source: MacRumors.
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