Key Facts
- ✓ Apple increased the base RAM on several MacBook models in late 2024.
- ✓ Refurbished units from Apple generally offer discounts of up to 20% and include a one-year warranty.
- ✓ The M4 MacBook Air starts at a lower price than the previous model and features 16GB of base RAM.
- ✓ Current discounts on various MacBooks can reach up to $800.
Quick Summary
Apple's lineup of MacBooks equipped with M-series processors offers a variety of sizes and price points, all running the latest macOS 26. While selecting the right specifications can be complex, finding discounts on high-performance models is currently straightforward. This is largely due to an increase in base RAM across several lines in late 2024, which has improved the overall value proposition.
Current market trends show various MacBooks discounted by as much as $800. For those seeking savings without waiting for fluctuating sales, purchasing refurbished units directly from the manufacturer is a viable alternative. This option is also the exclusive way to acquire specific configurations of older models. The refurbished store provides a one-year warranty and typically offers discounts of up to 20% off new unit prices. The following sections detail the best available deals on MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini models.
MacBook Air Deals 🍏
In March, Apple updated the MacBook Air lineup, introducing configurations in both 13-inch and 15-inch sizes featuring the M4 processor. The latest Air models start at a lower price point than their predecessors while offering improved performance and double the base RAM, now standing at 16GB. Additional features include the ability to connect to two external monitors with the lid open, a new sky blue color option, and the 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam previously found on the MacBook Pro.
Significant discounts are currently available for both sizes at major retailers:
- 13-inch M4 MacBook Air: Featuring a 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB RAM, and 256GB storage, this model is available for $799 (a $200 discount) at Amazon and Best Buy.
- 15-inch M4 MacBook Air: The entry-level configuration with a 10-core GPU, 16GB RAM, and 256GB storage is on sale for $999 (a $200 discount) at Amazon and Best Buy.
MacBook Pro Deals 💻
The MacBook Pro series received a major update in November 2024 with the release of the M4-series. The base 14-inch model now launches with 16GB of RAM (double the previous generation) and 512GB of storage, maintaining the starting price of $1,599. It includes a third Thunderbolt 4 port, an upgraded 12-megapixel webcam with Center Stage and Desk View, and a Space Black color option. The 14-inch and 16-inch models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips feature up to 24GB of RAM and faster Thunderbolt 5 ports.
Deals on these models are widespread:
- 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro: The configuration with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage is available for $1,499 ($300 off) at B&H Photo.
- 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro: The model with 24GB RAM and 512GB storage is priced around $1,749 ($250 off) at Amazon and B&H Photo.
- 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro: The base model with 24GB RAM and 512GB storage is available for $2,239 ($260 off) at Amazon and B&H Photo.
Apple has also released the M5 MacBook Pro, which features the M5 processor and Neural Accelerators for AI apps. While physically similar to the M4 model, it is seeing initial discounts. The 14.2-inch base model with M5, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage is currently $1,449 ($150 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo.
Mac Mini Updates 🖥️
The newest Mac Mini models, released in late 2024, utilize the M4 chipset. Apple reduced the horizontal footprint of the desktop, though it is thicker vertically than the previous generation. The base model starts with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $599. The chassis includes five USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports, with two located on the front, alongside an HDMI-out port and a gigabit ethernet port. An M4 Pro version is also available, starting at $1,399 and featuring Thunderbolt 5 storage.
Current pricing for the M4 Mac Mini includes:
Refurbished Options and Conclusion
For buyers looking to maximize savings, Apple's refurbished store offers a practical alternative to waiting for specific sales events. These units are generally discounted by up to 20% and come with a one-year warranty. This is often the only method to acquire specific configurations of older models that are no longer sold as new. However, for current-generation hardware, the deals listed above represent the best opportunities to purchase new M4 and M5 equipped devices at reduced prices. As inventory shifts and new releases occur, pricing on these models may continue to fluctuate.
