MacBook Neo Drives 6% Mac Sales Surge, Bolsters AAPL Bull Case

Reports position Apple's MacBook Neo as a key stock catalyst amid surging Mac demand. Launched March 11 at $599 ($499 education), the budget model has lifted Mac sales 6% year-over-year, fueling better-than-expected April 30 earnings with $111.2 billion revenue (+17% YoY) and diluted EPS +22% YoY. Management highlighted record demand and new customers 'off the charts.' Shares are up 6.1% since launch, with education market potential eyed at ~$13.5 billion from U.S. K-12 adoption.