The MacBook Neo will drive Apple: in 2026 it could be the only computer manufacturer to grow

In the first quarter of 2026, as confirmed by estimates from some analysts, Apple recorded substantial growth in Mac sales, and the new MacBook Neo played a decisive role.

The Cupertino company was not the only one to grow: ASUS recorded a record quarter, with a remarkable +20%, while Lenovo increased its lead over competitors, reaffirming its market leadership and growing more than the entire market.

Unlike Windows manufacturers, Apple would be the only OEM that can look confidently to the future in the computer segment. The memory crisis, in fact, should not harm Cupertino's plans while representing a huge obstacle for other manufacturers.

A record 2026?

According to some estimates, Apple could increase shipments of notebooks by 21.7% during 2026, while the market is expected to decline by 8%. The company is also predicted to be the only manufacturer among the top 6 by volume to grow in a market grappling with the chip crisis. Estimates see a slight decline for Lenovo, which will remain the market leader, widening the lead over HP and Dell, while ASUS and Acer are expected to decline.

Everything revolves around the success of the MacBook Neo and Apple’s choice to absorb the increases in memory costs without raising prices, though this will reduce profit margins. This is a very interesting aspect that will need to be evaluated in the future to verify how Apple's financial results may be influenced by the memory crisis.