Walmart is expanding its Apple lineup with the new MacBook Neo, offering both $599 and $699 configurations. This follows the retailer's successful experiment with the M1 MacBook Air, which Apple used as a proving ground for lower-cost Mac laptops. Walmart initially sold the M1 model at $699 before dropping to $599, where it remained a consistent seller despite limited inventory.

The retailer's decision to carry the MacBook Neo signals confidence in the budget-friendly Mac market. While Walmart is staying in the sub-$1000 laptop space, it's not carrying Apple's other new releases like the $1099 M5 MacBook Air. The new MacBook Neo lineup gives Walmart customers a choice between a base 256GB model at $599 or a 512GB version with Touch ID for $699.

Apple's strategy of using Walmart as a testing ground for more affordable Macs appears to be paying off. The retailer's willingness to stock the MacBook Neo in multiple configurations suggests strong consumer demand for budget-friendly Apple laptops. With pre-orders starting today and in-store availability on March 11, Walmart is positioning itself as a key player in making Apple products more accessible to price-conscious shoppers.