Apple's new MacBook Neo could sell between four and five million units in 2026, according to market intelligence firm TrendForce. This entry-level notebook represents a strategic shift for Apple, which is bucking industry trends by launching a more affordable machine while competitors struggle with rising component costs. The MacBook Neo starts at just $500-$600, dramatically expanding Apple's addressable market.

TrendForce projects global notebook shipments will decline 9.2% year-over-year in 2026, with PC makers prioritizing higher-end models due to DRAM price increases and CPU shortages. Most manufacturers are streamlining product lines and adopting cautious inventory strategies. Apple's decision to introduce an entry-level MacBook directly contradicts this industry-wide pullback, potentially capturing market share from Windows laptop makers in the budget segment.

The MacBook Neo features 8GB of RAM, which TrendForce identifies as a potential limitation. However, the firm still expects Apple's notebook shipments to grow 7.7% year-over-year, pushing macOS market share to 13.2%. TrendForce suggests the MacBook Neo could "reshape the pricing structure and competitive landscape" of the global notebook market, forcing Windows manufacturers to reconsider their value propositions at similar price points.