# The Budget-Friendly MacBook Era: An In-Depth Guide to Apple’s Latest Releases
During the Apple Silicon period, MacBooks have become increasingly available, with new models commencing at just $599. With potential international tariffs looming, these offers may be fleeting, making this an ideal moment for anyone in the market for a new MacBook.
Apple’s latest macOS Tahoe update has also eliminated support for nearly all Intel Macs, with very few exceptions. Those wishing to keep up with Apple’s software should consider upgrading to a more recent model.
## M1 MacBook Air
Since the launch of Apple Silicon, Apple has rolled out four MacBook Air models, equipped with M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips. The M1 MacBook Air maintains the characteristic wedge shape from the Intel era, which many users still favor.
Even after four years, the M1 MacBook Air stands strong in the market. It boasts remarkable performance courtesy of the M1 chip, a brilliant Retina display (though with thicker bezels than its successors), a dependable keyboard, and up to 18 hours of battery life. Notably, it runs quietly, making it perfect for use in public spaces.
The M1 MacBook Air is the least expensive choice on this list, although locating new models with over 256GB of storage can be difficult. Nevertheless, it is the only Apple Silicon MacBook available in a classic Gold hue.
– **Price**: Starting at [$599 at Walmart](https://howl.link/yui329teypivr) for the 13-inch version with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM.
## M3 MacBook Air
In 2022, Apple revealed a newly designed MacBook Air sporting a sleeker profile, a bigger display with narrower bezels, and the return of MagSafe. This model debuted with the M2 chip, and the design has carried over to the M3.
While M2 MacBook Airs are mostly sold out, select M3 models, particularly the 15-inch variant, are still on the market.
– **15-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip**:
– 512GB of storage, 24GB of RAM: [$1099 at Amazon](https://amzn.to/489Yepa) (discounted by $600).
This model is perfect for users requiring more unified memory for effective multitasking.
## M4 MacBook Air
In March, Apple introduced a revamped MacBook Air featuring the M4 chip. This iteration resembles its predecessor but adds a new Center Stage webcam and a Sky Blue color choice, replacing Space Gray.
Presently, there are noteworthy discounts on the latest MacBook Air models, making them an excellent purchase ahead of the holiday season.
– **13-inch models with M4 chip**:
– 256GB of storage, 16GB of RAM: [$749 at Amazon](https://amzn.to/421Yxj9).
– 512GB of storage, 16GB of RAM: [$949 at Amazon](https://amzn.to/4o0M7jn).
– 512GB of storage, 24GB of RAM: [$1149 at Amazon](https://amzn.to/3KyKcEp).
– **15-inch models with M4 chip**:
– 256GB of storage, 16GB of RAM: [$949 at Amazon](https://amzn.to/4i8YJ4T).
– 512GB of storage, 16GB of RAM: [$1149 at Amazon](https://amzn.to/4nV3KSp).
– 512GB of storage, 24GB of RAM: [$1349 at Amazon](https://amzn.to/4i2wTHe).
## M4 MacBook Pro
Apple revamped the MacBook Pro in 2021, incorporating a miniLED display with ProMotion, extra ports (including an HDMI and an SD card slot), larger batteries, and enhanced thermal management. The new models also come with a 1080p webcam.
While the MacBook Pro typically commands a higher price than the Air models, some great deals still exist. The M4 and M4 Pro chip versions deliver exceptional performance and features.
– **16-inch models**:
– M4 Pro MacBook Pro with 512GB of storage, 24GB of RAM: [$2199 on Amazon](https://amzn.to/4e1tacQ).
– M4 Pro MacBook Pro with 512GB of storage, 48GB of RAM: [$2535 on Amazon](https://amzn.to/445lGSw).
– M4 Max MacBook Pro with 1TB of storage, 36GB of RAM: [$3094 on Amazon](https://amzn.to/3HoIhAS)
