Trending Now - Weekly Roundup of Major Tech Product Reviews and News

WHO:

Apple, Samsung, Dell, Engadget, Devindra Hardawar (senior reporter), Cherlynn Low (managing editor), Nathan Ingraham (deputy editor), Mat Smith (UK bureau chief), Sam Rutherford (senior reporter), Steve Dent (contributing reporter).

WHAT:

Apple announced the MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e, both priced at $599.

The MacBook Neo is described as a low-cost laptop that can handle basic workloads and offers a better user experience than competing $600 Windows PCs.

The iPhone 17e is characterized as a solid entry-level handset for those needing a basic path into the Apple ecosystem.

Apple upgraded the iPad Air with the M4 chip, the MacBook Air with the M5 chip, and the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max silicon.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is noted as a solid Android phone but too similar to its predecessor, the S25, which is $99 less.

The Dell XPS 16 is described as a premium 16-inch productivity laptop, priced at $1,900.

WHERE:

Engadget, an online technology news platform.

WHEN:

The articles reference product announcements and reviews from 2026.

WHY:

Apple aims to provide affordable options for consumers with the MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e.

Dell is reintroducing the XPS brand after discontinuing it the previous year.

HOW:

Engadget reviews and tests consumer tech products, providing expert scores and detailed evaluations of features and performance.

(UPDATED March 22, 2026 01:35 UTC)

Today, Apple unveiled the MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e, both priced at $599, aiming to offer affordable options for consumers looking to enter the Apple ecosystem. The MacBook Neo is designed as a low-cost laptop that outperforms competing Windows PCs in its price range, while the iPhone 17e serves as a solid entry-level smartphone. Additionally, Apple upgraded its iPad Air and MacBook lineup with new M4 and M5 chips, and Dell is reintroducing its premium XPS 16 laptop, priced at $1,900, after discontinuing the brand last year.