Apple Ships 1.1 Million MacBook Neo Units In First Quarter

Apple shipped 1.1 million MacBook Neo units in the quarter ended March, according to IDC data, despite the device being available for only the final three weeks of the period.

Early Sales Momentum

MacBook Neo launched in early March and began shipping at scale in April. IDC data indicate that the device reached 1.1 million units shipped during its first quarter on the market. Early sales figures suggest strong initial demand for Apple’s newest notebook model.

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Broadening The Mac Ecosystem

Apple introduced the MacBook Neo with a starting price of $599, making it one of the company’s most affordable notebook offerings. Features include an aluminium chassis and a 13-inch Liquid Retina display. To reach a lower price point, Apple opted for an A18 Pro chip and 8GB of base memory. The company says the product is designed to attract first-time Mac buyers and expand its customer base.

Global Demand And Market Impact

According to IDC Associate Vice President Navkendar Singh, demand for the MacBook Neo has been particularly strong in the United States and India, where supply constraints have affected availability. The U.S. market accounted for 44% of shipments during the March quarter. In India, Apple shipped nearly 18,000 units, according to IDC data. Launch of the MacBook Neo comes as notebook manufacturers face changing consumer demand and higher prices across parts of the PC market.

Competitive Pressure And Strategic Shifts

Pricing of the Neo has added pressure in the entry-level notebook segment. Dell recently introduced a new XPS 13 model with a starting price of $699. During a recent earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company recorded a record number of new Mac customers following the launch. IDC Associate Vice President Navkendar Singh and Counterpoint Research Analyst David Naranjo estimate that the MacBook Neo could help Apple increase its share of the $400-$699 notebook segment from about 2% to 15%.

A Pivotal Moment For Apple

With the MacBook Neo, Apple is targeting a broader customer base through a lower-priced notebook that retains features associated with the Mac lineup.

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Cyprus Parliament Approves New Business Development Agency

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 17, 2026

Parliament Approves Cyprus Business Development Agency

Cyprus’ House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation on Tuesday establishing the Cyprus Business Development Agency (KOAE), following the adoption of several amendments proposed by lawmakers.

The agency is intended to improve access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, startups and self-employed professionals, helping address longstanding funding gaps in the market.

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Approval of the legislation also enables the government to unlock between €50 million and €69 million from the Recovery and Resilience Fund.

What Changes

One of the key amendments, jointly proposed by DISY, DIKO and the ALMA movement, requires the criteria governing the agency’s maximum financing exposure, including lending to connected enterprises, to be set through regulations approved by Parliament.

The amendment strengthens parliamentary oversight while providing a clearer governance framework for the agency.

Parliament Backs Bill After Debate

Although the bill received unanimous support, several MPs criticised the government for submitting it only on June 25, leaving Parliament with limited time to examine the legislation.

DISY MP Savia Orphanidou said lawmakers had completed their review in the national interest, stressing that easier access to finance is essential for the sustainability of businesses. She also welcomed safeguards added during parliamentary scrutiny, including the planned €60 million capital allocation through 2030.

AKEL MP Andreas Pasiourtidis said the agency should prioritise very small businesses and welcomed provisions strengthening board governance, annual reporting to Parliament and disclosure requirements relating to politically exposed persons.

DIKO MP and House Finance Committee Chair Christiana Erotokritou said similar institutions have operated successfully in other countries for years, adding that the legislation now includes modern safeguards to ensure responsible use of public funds.

Meanwhile, Giannis Laouris of Direct Democracy noted that Cyprus is the only EU member state without a dedicated institution supporting small businesses. He warned that failure to pass the bill would have put between €50 million and €69 million in Recovery and Resilience funding at risk, while maintaining reservations about establishing KOAE as a semi-state organisation.

Why It Matters

The new agency is expected to expand financing options for businesses that often struggle to secure bank financing due to limited collateral or short credit histories.

If implemented effectively, KOAE could strengthen Cyprus’ SME ecosystem, improve access to capital for startups and self-employed professionals, and help convert Recovery and Resilience funding into long-term economic growth.

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