Apple MacBook Neo $599 Launch Threatens 500M Unupgraded Windows 10 PCs
Apple unveiled the MacBook Neo on March 4 with a $599 entry price, entering the $500–$1,000 laptop segment. Microsoft’s end of Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025 and Windows 11’s TPM requirement leaves roughly 500 million PCs unupgraded, potentially driving users toward macOS.
1. Apple Debuts $599 MacBook Neo
On March 4, Apple launched the MacBook Neo with a $599 starting price, marking its first foray into the $500–$1,000 laptop segment. The device features 8GB of soldered unified memory, a 2408×1506 pixel, 500-nit display and premium aluminum chassis aimed at mainstream consumers.
2. Windows 10 Support Ends, TPM Mandate Hinders Upgrades
Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025 and enforces a TPM 2.0 requirement for Windows 11, leaving an estimated 500 million PCs unable or unwilling to upgrade to the latest OS.
3. Market Implications for Microsoft
The combination of a large unupgraded Windows base and Apple’s new low-cost offering may accelerate user migration to macOS, potentially weighing on PC license revenue and prompting Microsoft to reconsider its upgrade policies.