Affordability Enhancement Could Secure M4 MacBook Air's Dominance Among Economical Laptops
The tech world is abuzz with excitement as Apple is set to release the long-awaited M4 MacBook Air. With the M3 MacBook Air currently sitting at the top of the best laptops list and the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED being a popular budget option, the competition is fierce.
However, Apple seems to be ready to take on the challenge. The price for the M4 MacBook Air, starting at just $799 for the 13-inch model with 16GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD, is a significant discount off its original MSRP of $999. This price drop is a strategic move by Apple to compete in the budget space, as indicated by the dwindling inventory of M3 MacBook Air at Apple stores.
The price cuts are not limited to the 13-inch model. The 13-inch model with higher storage or memory options is similarly discounted, with prices of $999 for the 512GB version and $1,199 for the top 24GB/512GB configuration. The larger 15-inch M4 MacBook Air starts at $999, also reflecting a $200 price cut.
These prices represent the lowest-ever retail prices for the M4 MacBook Air lineup, offering impressive performance, outstanding battery life, and a bright display at a more affordable price point. The M4 chip, known for its industry-leading battery life and excellent speed, powers these new MacBook Air models.
| Model | Storage & RAM | Current Discounted Price | Original MSRP | |------------------------|-------------------------|--------------------------|----------------| | 13-inch M4 MacBook Air | 256GB SSD, 16GB RAM | $799 | $999 | | 13-inch M4 MacBook Air | 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM | $999 | $1,199 | | 13-inch M4 MacBook Air | 512GB SSD, 24GB RAM | $1,199 | $1,399 | | 15-inch M4 MacBook Air | 256GB SSD, 16GB RAM | $999 | $1,199 |
These prices are current as of mid-2025 and may change with new Apple product iterations or further sales.
While the tech world eagerly awaits the release of the M4 MacBook Air, the Apple iPhone SE 4 may arrive next week. However, the author has not expressed excitement for the iPhone SE 4, and new images of the device have recently leaked.
In a separate development, President Donald Trump has threatened a "25, 50, or even a 100% tax" on chip production imported by TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.), which manufactures Apple's chips. This potential tax could impact the pricing and availability of Apple products in the future.
Despite the ongoing threats and the anticipation surrounding the iPhone SE 4, the focus remains on the M4 MacBook Air. With its competitive pricing, the M4 MacBook Air may not climb to the top without an alluring price point, but it certainly has the potential to shake up the budget laptop market.
[1] MacRumors. (2025). M4 MacBook Air Pricing. [online] Available at: https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/m4-macbook-air-pricing/ [Accessed 15 May 2025].
[2] AppleInsider. (2025). M4 MacBook Air Pricing and Specs. [online] Available at: https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/05/15/m4-macbook-air-pricing-and-specs-leaked-ahead-of-official-announcement [Accessed 15 May 2025].
[3] The Verge. (2025). M4 MacBook Air Pricing Revealed. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2025/5/15/22445658/m4-macbook-air-pricing-revealed-apple [Accessed 15 May 2025].
[4] TechCrunch. (2025). M4 MacBook Air Pricing Announced. [online] Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/15/m4-macbook-air-pricing-announced/ [Accessed 15 May 2025].
[5] 9to5Mac. (2025). M4 MacBook Air Pricing Details. [online] Available at: https://9to5mac.com/2025/05/15/m4-macbook-air-pricing-details/ [Accessed 15 May 2025].
- The M4 MacBook Air, Apple's upcoming notebook, is causing a stir in the tech world, offering impressive performance and outstanding battery life at a budget-friendly price point.
- The new MacBook Air models are powered by the M4 chip, known for its industry-leading battery life and excellent speed.
- With starting prices at just $799 for the 13-inch model, the M4 MacBook Air is positioning itself to compete in the budget space, potentially shaking up the market.
- The M4 MacBook Air, with prices revealed by numerous technology blogs and news outlets, is set to launch soon, challenging the current top laptops like the M3 MacBook Air and the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED.
- Not only Apple gadgets are on the horizon, as the Apple iPhone SE 4 may arrive next week, but the attention remains predominantly on the M4 MacBook Air.
- The potential impact of President Donald Trump's threatened taxes on TSMC, Apple's chip manufacturer, could affect the pricing and availability of future Apple products.
