Apple might sell four to five million MacBook Neo devices this year. Even loyal Windows users see the appeal of switching.
A new market analysis report suggests Apple's budget laptop could become more appealing later this year. This is because prices for competing laptops may rise significantly.
Market research firm TrendForce reports that memory and CPU price increases could raise the average laptop price by nearly 40% this year. This information comes from a 9to5Mac report, reviewed by Arabiya Business.
For a $900 laptop, memory price hikes alone could increase retail prices by over 30%. Adding CPU price increases could push the total price rise to 40%.
Windows laptop makers are focusing limited components on their pricier models. This could cause a shortage of budget devices. TrendForce notes we are already seeing this trend.
Processor availability is also becoming unpredictable. Shortages are starting to affect budget devices from several brands.
In contrast, the new MacBook Neo's price is unlikely to increase. There are two main reasons for this.
First, Apple uses its buying power to secure components for a long production run. Second, after launching the latest model at a very competitive price and promoting it heavily, Apple is unlikely to change the price suddenly.
Therefore, a device that seems very competitive today could become more attractive as competing laptop prices increase.