Apple just delivered the best MacBook deals of the year, with the new M4 MacBook Air hitting a record low of $799 at Amazon and Best Buy. The timing coincides with Apple's aggressive push into AI computing, as even the brand-new M5 MacBook Pro is already seeing $250 discounts just weeks after launch. This unprecedented pricing strategy signals Apple's confidence in maintaining market share while transitioning its entire laptop lineup to next-generation processors.
The holiday shopping season just got a lot more interesting for Apple laptop buyers. Apple is pushing unprecedented discounts across its entire MacBook lineup, with even its newest M5 MacBook Pro already seeing $250 off at retailers like Best Buy.
The standout deal centers on Apple's M4 MacBook Air, now hitting $799 for the 13-inch model with 16GB of RAM - a configuration that would have cost over $1,200 just two years ago. The aggressive pricing reflects Apple's broader strategy to accelerate adoption of its Apple Intelligence features, which require the neural processing power found in M4 and M5 chips.
"We're seeing Apple behave more like a traditional PC maker when it comes to pricing," notes one industry analyst following the deals. The company has doubled base RAM across its lineup while simultaneously reducing prices - a rare move that suggests prioritizing market share over margins.
The M5 MacBook Pro's early discounting is particularly telling. Launched in October with Apple's latest Neural Engine capable of 3.5x faster AI processing, the laptop typically wouldn't see meaningful discounts for months. Yet retailers are already offering $250 off the base 14-inch model, bringing it to $1,599.
This isn't just seasonal pricing pressure. Apple appears to be clearing inventory ahead of what industry insiders expect will be major MacBook refreshes in 2025, potentially including new form factors optimized for AI workloads. The company has been quietly testing thinner designs with improved thermal management, according to supply chain reports.
The Mac Mini's dramatic price drop to $479 represents perhaps the most significant shift. At under $500, Apple's desktop now competes directly with entry-level Windows PCs while offering performance that rivals machines costing twice as much. The M4 chip delivers enough power for 4K video editing and light gaming - tasks that previously required much more expensive hardware.
Retailers are responding aggressively to Apple's new pricing flexibility. Amazon, Best Buy, and are matching each other's discounts within hours, creating a competitive environment that benefits consumers but pressures traditional Apple premium pricing.
