During the 2026 Snapdragon Summit, Microsoft Surface Vice President Brett Ostrum stated that the company has no plans to launch low-cost laptops to compete directly with Apple's MacBook Neo. Ostrum confirmed that Microsoft was aware of the Neo's release but chose not to enter that specific price segment.
Ostrum explained that Microsoft avoids entering markets where its OEM partners already offer a wide range of products, citing the gaming PC market as a primary example. The company believes that Surface would not provide additional value in the budget laptop category, as partners already satisfy user demand.
Microsoft highlighted the Dell XPS 13 and Asus ZenBook 14 as key alternatives to the MacBook Neo. Both devices start at $799, matching the price point of the Apple product, while offering superior specifications in areas such as display quality, port selection, and overall expandability.
Despite receiving feedback from retailers, media outlets, and partners urging the company to enter the budget laptop segment, Microsoft maintains its current strategy. Ostrum noted that while the company considers such feedback, it does not intend to compete in every market segment.
