Apple is currently offering an extensive selection of MacBooks running on its custom-designed M-series processors, spanning multiple screen sizes, configurations, and price brackets. Over the years, the company has consistently refined its laptop lineup, which has resulted in both significant technological advancements and strategic discontinuations. A clear example of this is the retirement of the MacBook Air powered by the M1 chip. This model, which once served as Apple’s introductory-level laptop in the modern Apple Silicon era, was officially phased out to make way for newer successors that deliver more power and efficiency. Yet, despite Apple discontinuing direct sales, certain third-party retailers—most notably Walmart—continue to offer the 2020 M1 Air at an aggressively attractive price of $599, which represents a $50 discount from its already reduced price. The appeal becomes especially evident when comparing it to Apple’s current flagship—the 16‑inch MacBook Pro with an M4 Pro processor—whose starting price is a staggering $2,499. This stark contrast underscores just how wide the spectrum of cost and performance options has become across Apple’s current MacBook lineup.
For prospective buyers, acquiring a brand-new MacBook often constitutes a significant financial commitment, and for many consumers, it can initially appear to be a daunting investment. However, securing meaningful savings is not nearly as difficult as one might assume. Apple has recently adjusted its baseline configurations, particularly regarding system memory (RAM), in a way that offers more variety to shoppers. This reshuffling has had the side effect of generating deeper discounts on prior generations, thus creating opportunities for frugal buyers who wish to maximize value without settling for outdated hardware in terms of design or stability. While Apple products are not generally subject to permanent markdowns, it is not unusual to encounter promotional pricing that shaves off as much as $800 from the retail price of certain models. Shoppers who prefer not to hunt for volatile short-term deals might instead consider purchasing directly from Apple’s official refurbished storefront. Unlike many third-party outlets, Apple’s refurbishment program is highly structured: these devices are carefully inspected, come with a full one‑year warranty, and are priced roughly 15 to 20 percent below the cost of their factory-sealed counterparts. This route is not only a reliable way to save but also, in many cases, the only practical avenue to acquire specific older configurations that are no longer manufactured yet remain in demand.
When evaluating current deals across the MacBook family, the MacBook Air often represents one of the most appealing value propositions. The now‑discontinued M1 MacBook Air, first introduced in 2020, was acclaimed for democratizing Apple Silicon by offering strong performance in a slim, affordable package. Even though Apple has ceased selling it directly, the model continues to be admired for balancing practicality with affordability—ideal for individuals engaged in productivity tasks that do not require the brute force of higher-end Pro models. Essential attributes such as a comfortable and responsive keyboard, an award-winning trackpad, and impressive all-day battery life contribute to its enduring relevance. The base specification comprises 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, which still suffices for general day-to-day demands. The fact that Walmart has committed to keeping this model available at $599—the lowest price to date—makes it particularly compelling for students, casual users, or budget-conscious professionals who wish to avoid overextending financially while still stepping into the Apple ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the next-generation M2 MacBook Air introduced evolutionary upgrades that made it a more capable machine without fundamentally altering the Air’s celebrated lightweight identity. Launched in 2022, this iteration incorporated a sharper 1080p webcam and revived the practical MagSafe magnetic charging solution, thereby preserving one of its USB-C ports for other uses. Performance saw a noteworthy boost with the M2 processor, positioning this device as a greater fit for creative workloads while still maintaining excellent portability. That said, the base configuration with 256GB of storage suffered from slower drive speeds, and the introduction of a display notch drew mixed reactions. Even so, this notebook became one of Apple’s most travel-friendly laptops since the much-debated 12-inch MacBook. Presently, availability for the M2 generation is diminishing, yet Best Buy continues to stock selected versions—such as a 13‑inch configuration equipped with 16GB of memory and an 8-core GPU—for as low as $699, which represents a $100 discount. A larger 15‑inch variant remains available at some retailers, though pricing suggests it is often wiser to prioritize discounted M4 models.
Speaking of the latest line of Air notebooks, Apple’s M3 MacBook Air arrived in 2023 in both 13.6‑inch and 15.3‑inch sizes, representing an incremental performance bump alongside thoughtful refinements. Enhancements included Wi-Fi 6E support, an extra Thunderbolt port that facilitates the use of dual external monitors with the lid closed, and a continuation of the Air’s signature 18-hour battery endurance. Interestingly, Apple officially shifted its baseline entry configuration from 8GB to 16GB of RAM paired with 256GB of storage, signifying the company’s acknowledgment that users increasingly demand more memory even at the entry tier. Current deals show the larger 15‑inch Air with the latest hardware on offer at $899, after a $200 discount, while upgraded variants featuring 512GB storage and expanded RAM can be found for about $1,099.
Most recently, Apple unveiled the M4 MacBook Air, its freshest step in evolving the line. Intriguingly, this model not only delivers performance gains and doubled baseline memory at 16GB RAM but also launches at a lower starting price than the previous version. Buyers now benefit from support for dual external monitors with the lid open, a refined 12‑megapixel Center Stage webcam, and a new sky-blue finish. Both 13‑inch and 15‑inch models are receiving discounts, with the smaller configuration currently available at Amazon for $799, while the larger alternative commands $1,049—both considerably reduced from launch.
Turning to the MacBook Pro family, Apple’s celebrated “Scary Fast” event in 2023 ushered in M3-equipped models, including a streamlined 14‑inch version intended to replace the longstanding 13‑inch Pro. These laptops incorporated Apple’s dazzling high‑refresh displays, MagSafe charging, HDMI output, and SD slots. However, the base M3 Pro began at only 8GB of RAM, making higher‑tier alternatives comparatively more appealing. Discounts on these machines can be rather attractive: for example, Best Buy currently prices the 14‑inch M3 Pro with upgraded storage at $1,199, while the heavyweight 16‑inch variant with an M3 Pro chip, 36GB of RAM, and expansive GPU capabilities now sits at $2,299 after a sizable $500 reduction.
In late 2024, Apple further raised the bar by launching M4-powered MacBook Pro models. Notable changes include a baseline of 16GB RAM across the board—double that of the M3 generation—and at least 512GB storage. The devices also benefit from a third Thunderbolt port supporting dual external monitors while open, freshly enhanced webcams supporting Center Stage and Desk View, and even optional nano‑texture displays. These updates are paired with the introduction of a sophisticated ‘space black’ finish. Current sales reflect strong reductions, with Amazon listing the 14‑inch M4 MacBook Pro at approximately $1,413. Meanwhile, an enhanced Pro-level configuration with 24GB of RAM and an M4 Pro variant is available for $1,699, marking a $300 discount.
Lastly, Apple’s desktop line has also undergone a noteworthy evolution. The M4 Mac Mini, launched toward the end of 2024, not only shrinks its footprint but also introduces 16GB of standard RAM—double its predecessor—and wields remarkable performance considering its modest price point. Though compact, it offers connectivity suited for both professional creators and general users: five Thunderbolt ports, HDMI-out, Gigabit Ethernet, and a front-facing headphone jack. Retailers like B&H Photo are currently shaving prices by roughly $51 off the base model, and higher-tier configurations with expanded storage or even M4 Pro chips, which add Thunderbolt 5 capabilities, are now discounted by over $100 at leading outlets.
Taken together, Apple’s current Mac lineup is characterized by an unusual confluence of progress and affordability. The discontinuation of earlier models such as the M1 MacBook Air has opened pathways to substantial bargains, whether through resellers like Walmart or Apple’s own certified refurbished program. Meanwhile, successive generations—the M2, M3, and most recently the M4 families—have preserved the defining traits of the Mac experience while steadily introducing refinements, higher memory thresholds, and improved connectivity. Shoppers thus enjoy a broader spectrum of choices and sharper deals than in most prior cycles, ensuring that whether one seeks maximum portability at minimal cost or demands professional-grade horsepower, compelling opportunities for savings are readily at hand.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/22399419/apple-macbook-air-pro-mac-mini-imac-deals
