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With Neo, Apple Goes After Windows 11
It has been a long time since I used the words “cute” and “want” about a computer. Last time, I probably did when Steve Jobs (RIP) was trying to save Apple and introduced the iBook. Oh, baby, that was cute, cuddly and just different. Apple’s new “Neo” machine made me go cute. And the $699 (for the configuration and color) price tag didn’t make me feel bad to “want” one.
Of course, the market of one is a market of none. Apple needs to convince millions of people to buy this low-end laptop, and steal users away from Chromebook and Windows ecosystems. And hope that these switchers could eventually buy more things from Apple, especially those high-margin services.
Let me reiterate what I wrote earlier in the week. The timing for the launch of the new Neo computer is fortuitous. Microsoft’s ham-fisted approach to grafting Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Windows 11 has been an unmitigated disaster. Whether it was privacy-invading Recall, barely good Copilot or invasive advertising, Windows 11 has left many long-time Windows users searching for alternatives including Linux.
When I looked at this development earlier in the year, I came across a YouTube video that claimed Windows 11 has generated more than 10 million dissatisfaction reports inside Microsoft’s own support systems. It is hard to confirm this rumor. There is some anecdotal evidence that adds to the narrative. StatCounter, a third-party analytics firm that tracks desktop operating systems across millions of websites, shows Windows 11 losing momentum at the end of 2025.
In November, Windows 11 accounted for about 53.7% of Windows desktop usage worldwide. By December, it had fallen to roughly 50.7%, while Windows 10 climbed to about 44.6%. That kind of shift in a single month is not trivial. It suggests that, even after Windows 10 reached end of support, a large number of users either refused to move or actively moved back.
For people looking for Windows 11 alternatives, a low-cost Mac laptop that has no forced “intelligence,” no advertising and for now promises privacy feels like a good enough option. Especially for those who don’t want their computers to do more than the basics. I know, there is the iPad (which is my preferred computer), but people want a laptop, and Neo fits the bill. Plus it is cute. And in colors that are actually fun.
I want the indigo to match my all-blue wardrobe, obviously. Even if I am going nowhere and have a wonderful iPad. I didn’t say I am rational either.
A few notes on the Neo. The base $599 model comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. For $699 you get 512GB of storage and a Touch ID button, but still get 8GB of RAM. There is no MagSafe, though it has a headphone jack. The two USB-C ports are not equal. The left one is USB-C 3 (faster, supports an external display) and the right is USB-C 2 (charging only, much slower). Engadget’s hands-on finds the keyboard a touch flimsy and the trackpad lacking the satisfying haptic feedback of pricier MacBooks.
How Neo stacks up against MacBook Air. [512 Pixels]
March 4, 2026. San Francisco
Agreed, perfect timing with Win11 debacle, at least in non-corporate buys. Time will tell, but I can see Apple selling a lot of these new MacBooks to first-time Mac users.
I think so to. This could be a good way to re-enter the education market with a gusto.
According to this Windows Central report, Windows 11 has actually gained market share in the last year, surpassing 1 billion users. Doesn’t sound like a disaster to me
https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-11-statcounter-market-share-february-2026
That’s not to imply that I feel negatively towards the MB Neo. I think it’s a great device. But I see it aimed more at the K to 12 education market, not the enterprise, which is Windows’ stronghold.
Actually towards the end of the year the market share stalled and started in reverse. The whole thing has been a mitigated disaster for Microsoft, and they have even come out and admitted that on investor calls and in press events. So the raw numbers don’t tell the story. Lenovo is now shipping with Linux as an option and walking people away from Windows 11. Others too. This is not a bad time for Apple to take a hot poker at the mid-plexus of Microsoft.
I would really take reports from StatCounter regarding Windows 11 losing share and Windows 10 losing share with a huge grain of salt.
It would not be the first time they had error regarding Windows version market share and changes like these are usually red flag for those.
Its really unlikely that in one month couple a dozen of million people downgraded their desktop operating system.
Does the new Apple interface with other Apple stuff, specifically the Watch? Google’s watches are sub-optimal. I’ve always been a Windows person, but I agree with the critics about Windows 11.