From time to time, Apple ditches plain silver and gray tones, leveraging color and lower price points to appeal to a broader, mostly younger audience. Sometimes it’s successful. Sometimes…not so much.
new MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e This is Apple’s latest strategy aimed at budget-conscious customers. Do the $599 price tag and candy-colored hues make up for the low-cost hardware?
Here are my first impressions after spending half a day with the new device, as well as my thoughts on Apple’s past and its current strategy.
Budget is back: MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e
Apple showed off its latest devices at an industrial warehouse in New York on Wednesday. The bright “Citrus” hue of the MacBook Neo immediately stands out against the brick wall. it is not Quite a boy—more akin to Yellow Chartreuse liqueur.
The keyboard keys and feet are coated to match the bright aluminum casing for a fun tactile feel. But what really matters is how well this laptop can run apps, since it’s powered by the chip last seen in the iPhone 16 Pro.
I have over 25 browser tabs open. The Neo seems to handle these issues very well. I saw a demo of clothing design in an app called Pixelmator Pro, as well as a real-time 3D game from Apple Arcade, which also worked well. However, I need more time to test the Neo and see how much it can withstand real life.
One surprise: the trackpad. Apple engineers cut costs by using mechanical clicks instead of the virtual “Force Touch” clicks found on pricier MacBooks. Unlike old trackpads, though, you can click anywhere. It’s not bad, but I’m wondering if it’s another part that might be broken.
Another thing that might get damaged? USB-C port, when my kids trip over the cable. The more premium MacBooks come with the MagSafe quick-release power cord that many parents appreciate.
As for the iPhone 17e, there wasn’t much new to comment on when I played with it today. this is a bump last year’s model Featuring a faster chip and few new hardware additions, but still the same single 48-megapixel camera.
A stronger display is great, but I don’t want to drop the phone on the floor to check its durability. It has a magnetic ring on the back, which Apple also calls MagSafe. I tested it with my favorite accessory, the Moft wallet tripodthe effect is very good. An animation on the screen confirms that it’s securely connected.
A cheap and enjoyable challenge
Playing with this new series reminded me of Apple’s most colorful designs from the past, and their track record of mixing.
My first laptop was around 2000 iBook G3. At $1,599, it’s not cheap, but it’s the most bizarre piece of tech I’ve ever owned. The iBook has a translucent plastic casing (a classic early design) with an “orange” tint. I use the built-in handle to carry it around like a handbag.
There is one Great scenes from “Legally Blonde” Elle Woods (played by Reese Witherspoon) uses her clam-shaped orange iBook amid a sea of dark rectangular laptops.
The desktop iMac G3 also comes in similar flavors, including blueberry, grape, and lime. 2004, iPod mini The pink, blue and green aluminum casing is eye-catching.
Then there’s the iPod Shuffle. It’s about the size of a Ghirardelli chocolate square and comes in a rainbow of options. This is a clip-on MP3 player without a screen, only suitable for $49. Wearable iPod becomes icon for some Generation Z still.
There were some less memorable devices that also got a taste of the rainbow. Do you remember the iPhone 5c? It doesn’t matter if you don’t. At the time, Apple CEO Tim Cook said consumers were turning to the iPhone 5S because it had a new fingerprint sensor.
When engineers leave out too much to save money, bright colors don’t always make up for it. The shortcomings of these “affordable” products may prompt other consumers to purchase more premium models. (Hey, the current top-of-the-line iPhone is “Cosmic Orange.”)
But I suspect the MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e will find some audience among budget hunters.
Last year’s iPhone 16e was a success in the U.S., accounting for Accounts for 11% of U.S. iPhone sales Its launch quarter share was more than double that of its predecessor, the iPhone SE, according to Consumer Intelligence Research Partners.
people feel the pressure price increase. By trading “pro” features for brilliant colors and a lower entry point, Apple could gain market share Fight against competitors who are forced to raise prices.
It’s not just the atmosphere that’s cheap and cheerful – it may prove to be a well-thought-out strategy.
Write to Nicole Nguyen at: nicole.nguyen@wsj.com
