GoKawiilApple launched three new Macs last week: MacBook Neo, M5 MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max. And CEO Tim Cook says the launch set a new record among first-time Mac buyers.
New Mac record among first-time buyers is almost certainly thanks to MacBook Neo
Last week was a big one for the Mac. Three new models became available after being unveiled the week before. And as a result, Apple’s entire laptop lineup was refreshed and expanded overnight.
But MacBook Neo was easily the most unique of the introductions. With a $599 starting price ($499 for students), MacBook Neo was poised to target a large market of PC and Chromebook switchers.
And it sounds like that’s exactly what’s happening.
Today in a post on X, CEO Tim Cook celebrated a new launch record for the Mac among first-time buyers.
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
This result is an early sign of MacBook Neo’s popularity, although Cook didn’t specifically name any single product in his post.
It certainly helps that MacBook Neo launched alongside new MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models—the latter of which has historically been Apple’s most popular Mac.
But since this record involves first-time Mac customers, the MacBook Neo is no doubt primarily responsible for the achievement.
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