On March 16, Apple launched the MacBook Neo at $599, its cheapest laptop to date. On the same day, Apple introduced the iPhone 17e at a lower price point of $599. This move is characterized as a price war aimed at pressuring rivals in the hardware sector. Apple's sales in China jumped 23% in the first nine weeks of this year, while the Chinese smartphone market is experiencing a 4% downturn. There is strong consumer interest in what could be a major form-factor change for Apple.