The MacBook Neo is a glimpse into John Ternus's Apple

At the MacBook Neo launch, John Ternus was front and center as Apple’s public face for the new $599 budget laptop.

The Neo pairs a low price with solid build quality and performance, suggesting Apple is more willing to take product risks.

The move could signal a broader strategy shift under Ternus as he is expected to become CEO on September 1.

If Apple is willing to accept lower margins, the Neo could help expand its user base and strengthen the ecosystem.