Oliver Haslam·

Here’s Why Apple’s New Laptop Is Called MacBook Neo

Apple announced the new MacBook Neo budget+-friendly laptop earlier this week, and the company has already sought to explain where the unexpected name came from.

There had been rumors of a new, relatively inexpensive MacBook being in the works for months, but the name was unknown until it leaked shortly before the laptop was announced on March 4.

But the MacBook Neo name caught many off guard, and Colleen Novielli, a Mac product marketing director, has explained Apple’s thinking.

Novielli was speaking with TechRadar’s Lance Ulanoff when the topic of the MacBook Neo’s name came up. “We wanted something that felt fun and friendly, and fresh, and felt like it really suited the spirit of this product,” the marketing director explained.

Much of Apple’s marketing for the MacBook Neo has leaned into the fact that it’s a brand-new product with a brand-new name. And while the Neo name may have been unexpected, it so far appears to have been well received.

The MacBook Neo is clearly aimed at first-time Mac buyers as well as students, and the name is likely to capture the attention of both. Certainly more so than reusing an old name like MacBook.

The MacBook Neo is now available for preorder from $599 and officially goes on sale on March 11.

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