# The Budget-Friendly MacBook Era: An Overview of Apple’s Newest Models
During the Apple Silicon age, MacBooks have become more budget-friendly than ever, with fresh models beginning at just $649. With impending global tariffs, these fantastic deals might soon be a thing of the past. If you’re considering a new MacBook, now could be the perfect moment to buy.
The anticipated macOS 26 update is also rumored to eliminate support for some additional Intel Macs, making it a prime opportunity for those wishing to stay current with the latest software.
## M1 MacBook Air
Apple has released four MacBook Airs since the onset of the Apple Silicon period, equipped with the M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips. The M1 MacBook Air maintains a classic wedge shape from the Intel generation, which many users might appreciate.
Even though it’s four years old, the M1 MacBook Air continues to be a fantastic laptop considering its cost. It delivers quick performance with its M1 chip, an impressive Retina display (albeit with bulkier bezels compared to newer models), a superb keyboard, and up to 18 hours of battery life. Furthermore, it runs quietly, making it suitable for use in public settings.
The M1 MacBook Air is the least expensive choice on this list, although locating new models with greater than 256GB of storage may be difficult. Nonetheless, it is the sole Apple Silicon MacBook offered in a true Gold hue.
You can purchase the M1 MacBook Air for as little as [**$599 at Walmart**](https://howl.link/15sdnqsr918p4) in Silver, Space Gray, and Gold.
– 13-inch MacBook Air (M1) with 256GB of storage, 8GB of memory: [**$599 at Walmart**](https://howl.link/15sdnqsr918p4)
## M3 MacBook Air
In 2022, Apple launched a revamped MacBook Air with a sleeker design, an enlarged display with narrower bezels, and the return of MagSafe. It also debuted in new Starlight and Midnight colors along with Silver and Space Gray, although Gold was phased out. This new design first appeared with the M2 chip and has progressed with the M3.
M2 MacBook Airs are largely sold out, and similar shortages are occurring with M3 models, though some options remain, especially concerning the 15-inch MacBook Air.
**15-inch models with M3 chip:**
– 15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: [**$1249 at Amazon**](https://amzn.to/3R70HaO) ($450 off!)
## M4 MacBook Air
In March, Apple unveiled a refreshed MacBook Air featuring the M4 chip. This version retains many elements from its predecessor but presents a new Center Stage webcam and a new Sky Blue color, replacing Space Gray.
At present, you can enjoy a $200 discount across all the latest MacBook Air models. Apple is reportedly developing a new entry-level MacBook with an A18 Pro chip, but at these rates, the MacBook Air represents an attractive option.
**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/42w9DNg)
– 13-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: [**$1199 at Amazon**](https://amzn.to/3Rq7exD)
**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/4i0icVe)
– 15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: [**$1399 at Amazon**](https://amzn.to/4i2wTHe)
## M4 MacBook Pro
Apple refreshed the MacBook Pro in 2021, unveiling a miniLED display with ProMotion, added ports (including HDMI and an SD card reader), larger batteries, and enhanced thermal performance. It also incorporates a 1080p webcam for the first time.
Although the MacBook Pro isn’t priced as low as the MacBook
