Apple has revealed why it chose the name MacBook Neo for its newly announced entry-level MacBook.
Speaking to TechRadar, Apple Mac product marketing director Colleen Novielli said the company wanted a name that reflected the personality and positioning of the new device.
“We wanted something that felt fun and friendly, and fresh, and felt like it really suited the spirit of this product,” Novielli said.
The word “Neo” itself reinforces Apple’s message that the laptop represents something new for the Mac lineup. MacBook Neo is Apple’s most affordable Mac laptop ever, designed to bring the Mac experience to a wider audience including students, families and first-time Mac buyers.
Apple’s senior vice president of marketing Greg Joswiak also highlighted the meaning behind the name in a post on social media, emphasising the idea of a fresh start for new Mac users.
“MacBook Neo is new, exciting, original, and HERE,” Joswiak wrote. “With a beautiful aluminum design, 13-inch Liquid Retina display, 16 hours of battery life, and the power of Apple silicon, you’ll fly through everyday tasks. It’ll be love at first Mac.”
The new MacBook Neo starts at $599 and features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, Apple’s A18 Pro chip and up to 16 hours of battery life. Apple is positioning the laptop as a lightweight everyday machine capable of handling tasks such as web browsing, streaming, schoolwork and light productivity.
MacBook Neo is available to pre-order now, with the first deliveries and in-store availability beginning March 11.