Author: sparta

If you’re aiming to start the new year with a new MacBook, this is an excellent moment to purchase. Recently, Macs have become increasingly budget-friendly – primarily due to Apple’s shift to Apple Silicon. These MacBooks are also better equipped than ever.

Apple’s newest macOS Tahoe update has also terminated support for nearly all Intel Macs (with a few minor exceptions). If you wish to remain on the most current Apple software, now is an ideal time to upgrade.

### M3 MacBook Air

In 2022, Apple unveiled the revamped MacBook Air with a sleeker design, a larger display with narrower bezels, and brought back MagSafe. It is also available in new Starlight and Midnight hues alongside Silver and Space Gray, while Gold is no longer an option. This innovative design was launched with the M2 chip and has persisted since.

**15-inch models with M3 chip:**
– 15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: [$1099 at Amazon](https://amzn.to/489Yepa) ($600 off!)

The 15-inch variant is a fantastic choice if you’re seeking greater unified memory than most individuals, which can be significantly beneficial for multitasking. Conversely, the 13-inch model is a great pick if you want something newer than an M1 MacBook Air while staying closer to a $600 budget.

### M4 MacBook Air

Last March, Apple revealed a refreshed MacBook Air featuring the M4 chip. This device closely resembles its predecessor, with a new Center Stage webcam and a new Sky Blue color replacing Space Gray.

Currently, you can find a $200 discount on the latest MacBook Air models. Apple is said to be developing a new entry-level MacBook with an A18 Pro chip expected to launch within the next year or so – but at these prices, I would honestly opt for the MacBook Air without worrying about any compromises.

**13-inch models with M4 chip:**
– 13-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage, 16GB of memory: [$799 at Amazon](https://amzn.to/421Yxj9)
– 13-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 16GB of memory: [$999 at Amazon](https://amzn.to/4o0M7jn)
– 13-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: [$1199 at Amazon](https://amzn.to/3KyKcEp)

**15-inch models with M4 chip:**
– 15-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage, 16GB of memory: [$999 at Amazon](https://amzn.to/4i8YJ4T)
– 15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 16GB of memory: [$1199 at Amazon](https://amzn.to/4nV3KSp)
– 15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: [$1399 at Amazon](https://amzn.to/4i2wTHe)

### M4 MacBook Pro

Apple revamped the MacBook Pro in 2021, introducing a completely new miniLED display with ProMotion, additional ports (most notably an HDMI port and SD card reader), as well as larger batteries and enhanced thermal efficiency. It also featured a 1080p webcam for the first time.

While the MacBook Pro is not as affordable as the MacBook Airs mentioned, if you desire that exceptional display and the additional ports, there are still some impressive deals available. All models listed below are equipped with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, delivering the highest performance in a MacBook Pro. If you’re looking for base level silicon, you’ll need to purchase an M5 model.

**14-inch models:**
– M4 Pro MacBook Pro with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: [$1749 on Amazon](https://amzn.to/4ckNjcZ) ($250 off!)
– M4 Pro MacBook Pro with 1TB of storage, 24GB of memory: [$2099 on Amazon](https://amzn.to/4pbAMhS)

### M5 MacBook Pro

In October, Apple introduced the new 14-inch MacBook Pro featuring the M5 chip. However, in a break from tradition – it was only released with the base M5. If you’re seeking more power, or a 16-inch model, you’ll need to go for an M4 Pro or M4 Max chip.

M5 is approximately 15% quicker overall compared to the M4. In comparison to M4 Pro, M5 is about 10% slower.

This year, Apple is expected to update most of its iPad collection. The company initiated a new iPad generation with the debut of the M5 iPad Pro in October, and every other iPad in the series will follow suit later this year. These are the latest speculations.

## M4 iPad Air

The first significant iPad release of the year will likely be the upcoming iPad Air model, possibly arriving in March. This will incorporate the M4 chip into the iPad Air, offering another 10-20% increase in performance compared to the M3 chip.

With the launch of the N1 chip and the C1X modem in the M5 iPad Pro, it’s likely that the forthcoming iPad Air will also transition to Apple’s proprietary modem and networking chips. This will facilitate quicker cellular connectivity and support for Wi-Fi 7.

Aside from internal chip advancements, there aren’t many evident enhancements for the M4 iPad Air. Possible but unconfirmed updates could include a 600 nit display (which is currently exclusive to the 13-inch model) and new color variations. A 90 or 120Hz screen would also be a welcome feature.

While OLED has been anticipated for the iPad Air, it most likely won’t debut until 2027 or beyond.

## A19 iPad

Following that, the budget iPad, priced at $349 but frequently available for $299 during sales, is rumored to receive the A19 chip. This enhancement is more than just a specification upgrade, as it will introduce Apple Intelligence capabilities to the budget iPad for the first time.

Like the iPad Air, the budget iPad is also likely to adopt Apple’s proprietary N1 chip and C1X modem.

Personally, I’d really like to see a proper keyboard for the budget iPad, something akin to the Magic Keyboard available for iPad Air and iPad Pro. As it stands, the budget iPad is limited to the Magic Keyboard Folio, which only allows for use on a table, as it requires a kickstand for support.

The iPad is expected to receive the A19 chip sometime in the first half of 2026.

## A19 Pro iPad mini

Lastly, the iPad mini is poised for its first refresh since 2024. This update will likely bring the A19 Pro chip, but it will also present a much larger upgrade… OLED.

This upgrade is anticipated to occur later this year; however, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is focusing on the iPad mini to be its next significant product to transition. Apple first introduced OLED to the iPad Pro back in early 2024 with the M4 model, having initially brought it to the iPhone lineup beginning in 2017.

In addition to the OLED and A19 Pro chip, the next iPad mini is reportedly going to incorporate a more water-resistant design, according to Bloomberg.

The iPad mini has not undergone a significant redesign since 2021. Based on these rumors, it appears that Apple has significant plans for the 5-year anniversary of that initial redesign.

## Wrap up

Overall, it’s a relatively quiet year for iPad, excluding the iPad mini.

Looking ahead, Apple intends to integrate a vapor chamber cooling system into the M6 iPad Pro, which is set to launch in early 2027. However, that’s somewhat outside the range of this discussion.

If none of these updates pique your interest and you’re satisfied with the current iPad models, there are currently discounts on the current generation iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro ranging from $50-100 off.