TL;DR
Several MacBook Air and Pro models are discounted in early January, with notable savings on M3, M4 and M5 machines at major retailers. Apple Silicon performance gains and macOS Tahoe's limited Intel support are cited as reasons buyers are upgrading now.
What happened
Retailers have launched a series of early-January discounts across Apple’s MacBook lineup, covering recent Air and Pro models equipped with M3, M4, M4 Pro/Max and M5 chips. Highlights include a 15-inch M3 MacBook Air with 512GB storage and 24GB memory at $1,099 (about $600 off) and multiple M4 MacBook Air configurations reduced by roughly $200 each. MacBook Pro deals include M4 Pro 14- and 16-inch models with prices reduced (for example, a 14-inch M4 Pro with 512GB/24GB at $1,749) and a 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro base model offered at $1,449. The article notes Apple’s ongoing shift to Apple Silicon and points out that macOS Tahoe has dropped support for most Intel Macs, which may push users toward newer models. It also mentions a reported upcoming entry-level MacBook with an A18 Pro chip in the next year or so.
Why it matters
- Discounts lower the effective cost of recent Apple Silicon MacBooks, making upgrades more accessible.
- macOS Tahoe’s limited support for Intel Macs may prompt users who want the latest software to consider newer machines.
- M-series performance differences (M3, M4, M4 Pro/Max, M5) affect value decisions between base and pro-tier models.
- Availability of current deals could influence buying timing for students, professionals and creators weighing performance vs. price.
Key facts
- 15-inch M3 MacBook Air (512GB, 24GB) listed at $1,099 on Amazon — cited as about $600 off.
- M4 MacBook Air models showed roughly $200 off across the line; sample prices include: 13-inch 256GB/16GB at $799 and 15-inch 256GB/16GB at $999.
- M4 Pro MacBook Pro deals include a 14-inch M4 Pro with 512GB/24GB at $1,749 (about $250 off) and higher-priced 16-inch M4 Pro/Max listings up to about $3,152 for a 1TB/36GB M4 Max.
- Apple introduced a refreshed MacBook Air design in 2022 (thinner chassis, larger display, MagSafe return) and updated it with M4 in March, adding Center Stage webcam and a Sky Blue color.
- Apple redesigned the MacBook Pro in 2021 with miniLED display, ProMotion, more ports (HDMI and SD card reader), larger batteries, improved thermals and a 1080p webcam.
- Apple’s M5 chip (introduced in October for a 14-inch model) is reported to be roughly 15% faster than M4 overall; compared to M4 Pro, M5 is about 10% slower in CPU performance.
- The article cites that macOS Tahoe removed support for almost all Intel Macs, with a few small exceptions.
- 9to5Toys is mentioned as a source for tracking ongoing MacBook discounts.
What to watch next
- A reported entry-level MacBook with an A18 Pro chip expected within about a year — reported but timing and specs are not guaranteed.
- How long current retailer discounts will remain available: not confirmed in the source.
- Whether Apple expands M5 availability to higher-end configurations or a 16-inch M5 model: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Apple Silicon: Apple-designed family of ARM-based processors used in recent Mac models, replacing Intel CPUs in newer machines.
- M-series chip: Apple’s line of system-on-a-chip processors (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, etc.) that integrate CPU, GPU and memory for Macs.
- Unified memory: A memory architecture that allows the CPU and GPU to access the same pool of RAM for improved performance and efficiency.
- miniLED: A display backlighting technology using many small LEDs to achieve higher contrast and improved local dimming compared with traditional LED panels.
- ProMotion: A display technology that supports adaptive refresh rates (up to 120Hz) for smoother motion and improved responsiveness.
Reader FAQ
Are the prices listed still accurate?
The prices reflect retailer listings cited in the article at the time it was published (early January 2026); live availability and pricing can change.
Will macOS Tahoe run on my Intel Mac?
The article reports that macOS Tahoe dropped support for practically all Intel Macs, with a few small exceptions.
Is Apple releasing a new entry-level MacBook with an A18 Pro?
The source says Apple is reportedly working on an entry-level MacBook with an A18 Pro chip within the next year or so.
Which chip should I choose: M3, M4, M4 Pro/Max or M5?
The article notes M5 is about 15% faster than M4 overall but around 10% slower in CPU performance than M4 Pro; M4 Pro/Max remain the higher-power options for users who need extra performance.
All the new products Apple released in 2025 Chance Miller Dec 31 2025 MAC DEALS These are the best new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals in January so far…
Sources
- These are the best new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro deals in January so far
- Best MacBook Pro and MacBook Air Deals for January 2026
- January MacBook Air Savings: Prices Start at $599
- MacBook Deals
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