[DigitalToday reporter Hyunwoo Choo] Apple launched the MacBook Neo, the M5 MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro equipped with M5 Pro and Max chips in March. CEO Tim Cook (팀 쿡) said the number of new Mac buyers hit an all-time high, IT outlet NineToFiveMac reported on March 20 local time.

The record appears to have been driven in particular by the MacBook Neo. Launched at an aggressive price of $599 (990,000 won in Korea), the MacBook Neo drew in PC and Chromebook users and contributed significantly to expanding Apple’s market share. The MacBook Air and Pro models were released at the same time, but the assessment is that the MacBook Neo had the biggest impact given its price and performance.

All MacBook Neo models are currently sold out online in the North American market, and some Apple Stores require waits until mid-April, it reported. Some Apple Stores offer same-day purchase of the 256GB model in silver, blush and citrus, but the indigo color cannot be picked up until after April 14. For the 512GB model, silver and indigo are available for same-day pickup, but blush and citrus require waits until mid-April.

On Amazon, MacBook Neo shipments are delayed by about 1 week, and some models require waits until April. Walmart offers same-day delivery for some models, but most products cannot be received until after late March.

Apple has sold Macs for decades, but the market remains large among PC and Chromebook users who have not experienced a Mac. Many iPhone users also do not have a personal computer, making it likely the MacBook Neo will be their first Mac. The popularity of the MacBook Neo is interpreted as a signal for expanding the Apple ecosystem beyond simple sales figures.