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Upgrade Time: Why This Could Be the Perfect Moment to Buy a MacBook
With the Apple Silicon era in full swing, the MacBook lineup has become more powerful, energy-efficient, and — surprisingly — more affordable than ever. From budget-friendly M1 MacBook Airs starting at \$649 to the sleek and powerful M4 MacBook Pros, Apple is offering impressive discounts across the board. But these deals may not last long.
With the threat of tariffs on Chinese-made electronics looming and macOS 26 expected to drop support for more Intel-based Macs, there’s a growing sense of urgency for users who want the latest Apple hardware and software. If you’ve been holding off on upgrading, this may be your ideal window.
Let’s break down what each MacBook model offers, which deals are currently live, and why Undercode believes this moment might be historic for Apple buyers.
Apple MacBooks: Massive Discounts You Shouldn’t Miss 💸
M1 MacBook Air – Classic Value
The M1 MacBook Air remains a fan favorite, even four years after launch. Known for its wedge-shaped design and solid performance, it offers:
Excellent speed from the M1 chip
A Retina display (albeit with thicker bezels)
Quiet, fanless operation
Up to 18 hours of battery life
Despite its age,
M3 MacBook Air – Balanced Power & Portability
With the M2 largely phased out, the spotlight now falls on the M3. Released in 2022, this model introduced a thinner chassis, a larger display, and MagSafe charging.
Comes in Silver, Space Gray, Starlight, and Midnight
Available configurations include up to 512GB storage and 24GB RAM
13-inch M3 model: $999 at Amazon (with 512GB/16GB)
15-inch M3 model: $1299 at Amazon (512GB/24GB)
Thanks to generous discounts — sometimes requiring coupon clipping — this is an excellent choice for users wanting newer tech without splurging for the M4.
M4 MacBook Air – Latest Generation, Competitive Pricing
Launched in March, the M4 MacBook Air features minor design tweaks, a Sky Blue color option, and enhanced features like Center Stage webcam. The performance gains are modest but respectable.
13-inch M4 models start at $849
15-inch M4 models go up to \$1449 for maxed-out configurations
These units are made in Vietnam, making them less likely to be affected by China tariffs
Considering it’s the newest model, the pricing is surprisingly competitive.
M4 MacBook Pro – Pro-Level Power for Less
The M4 MacBook Pro line comes with ProMotion miniLED displays, a 1080p webcam, more ports (including HDMI and SD card), and powerful thermals.
Here are the best deals:
14-inch M4 Pro: starts at $1429 for 512GB/16GB
16-inch M4 Max: up to \$405 off for 1TB/48GB at \$3595
These are more expensive than Airs, but they offer professional-grade performance and features for content creators, developers, and power users.
🔍 What Undercode Say:
Affordability Meets Urgency
Apple’s current pricing strategy reveals two trends — making high-performance laptops more accessible and reacting to potential global trade pressures. The M1 MacBook Air at \$649 is a staggering value, blurring the line between mid-range Windows machines and premium Apple offerings.
Software Support Shift
With macOS 26 rumored to end support for more Intel Macs, Apple is firmly pushing users toward Apple Silicon. This is less a nudge and more a hard pivot — and users sticking with Intel Macs may find themselves locked out of future software improvements and security updates.
Tariff Tensions
If the U.S. enacts tariffs on Chinese-made goods, MacBook prices could see an uptick — especially for older models still produced in China. The M4 MacBook Air, made in Vietnam, may be a strategic hedge by Apple. This makes newer models a safer investment against future price hikes.
Retailer Strategy & Stock Levels
Retailers are clearing M2 inventory and aggressively pushing M3 and M4 models. The best deals are often hidden behind on-page coupons or specific configurations (e.g., 24GB RAM or 512GB storage), signaling a desire to upsell premium tiers at palatable prices.
Future-Proofing Considerations
From longer battery life to increased memory and better webcams, every new generation improves significantly. If you’re a creative professional, the 16-inch M4 Pro/Max MacBooks are unbeatable workhorses. For general users or students, the M1 and M3 Airs remain ideal — but the clock is ticking.
✅ Fact Checker Results:
✅ M1 MacBook Air truly starts at \$649 at Walmart
✅ M3 and M4 MacBook Airs do offer 512GB and 24GB memory configurations
✅ M4 MacBook Air is manufactured in Vietnam, reducing tariff exposure
🔮 Prediction:
Expect price increases on MacBooks manufactured in China if tariffs pass. Retailers may run out of M1 inventory by early 2026, making now the final stretch for grabbing a MacBook under \$700. Apple will likely continue migrating manufacturing outside China, and the M4 and future M5 models could become new pricing anchors.
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References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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