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Apple MacBook price tracker: When to buy a new laptop

apple-m2-macbook-header.png
Apple

Apple MacBooks are some of the best laptops in 2023. These devices are a great choice for gifting, planning your summer adventures on and so much more. However, Apple MacBooks are some of the priciest laptops on the market, so it's smart to wait until you can find one on sale. To help, we've compiled this Apple MacBook price tracker so that you strike when the deals are hot and score the best price on a new laptop.

The experts at CBS Essentials analyzed historical pricing data on the top Apple MacBook models using CamelCamelCamel to uncover key data patterns and help you find the best time to buy. Ready for a new MacBook Air or MacBook Pro? Now may be a good time. Learn more ahead.

When to buy the Apple MacBook Pro 

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Amazon

If you're looking for the latest model or the best MacBook for photo and video editing, look no further. The new 2023 MacBook Pro features Apple's latest M2 processor chip for faster performance and improved processing capabilities. It also offers an improved 18-hour battery life and an improved camera. 

The Apple MacBook Pro M2 is available in two screen sizes: 14.2 inches and 16.2 inches. The screen features Apple's Liquid Retina XDR display. Buyers also have a number of choices when it comes to specs. There are two versions of the M2 chip to choose from: M2 Pro and M2 Max. M2 Pro has up to 12 CPU, up to 19 GPU and up to 32 GB of memory. M2 Max has 12 CPU, up to 38 GPU and up to 96 GB of memory. 

Now is a great time to buy a new Apple MacBook Pro. The 14.2-inch MacBook Pro is on sale right now for the lowest price we've ever seen. It's currently down to $1,799, a savings of $200. This is a large discount considering that the M2 MacBook Pro is still quite new.

14.2" Apple 2023 MacBook Pro with M2 chip (10‑core CPU and 16‑core GPU), $1,799 (reduced from $1,999)

In addition, the 16.2-inch model is currently at its best price ever. Since the laptop is still fairly new, it hasn't gone on sale many times before. Previously, the lowest we've ever seen this laptop go for is $2,300. Right now, the 16.3-inch MacBook Pro is only $2,249. That's a savings of $201 off of the list price!

16.2" Apple 2023 MacBook Pro with M2 Pro chip (12‑core CPU and 19‑core GPU), $2,249 (reduced from $2,450)


When to buy the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air 

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Amazon

The 13.6-inch MacBook Air also features the M2 chip. This is an upgraded version of the MacBook Air M1 that supports faster processing with a next-generation 8-core CPU, up to 10-core GPU and up to 24GB of unified memory. The Apple MacBook Air M2 features a 13.6-inch Retina Display screen and improved HD camera. 

This model retails for $1,199 on Apple. Though It can be found on sale periodically for as low as $1,000 on Amazon. Right now this model is actually sold out on Amazon, but you can find it on sale for $1,100 at Walmart right now.  If the 2022 model is still a bit outside of your budget, you may want to consider the 2020 Apple MacBook Air, which is currently on sale for $750.

 Apple MacBook Air (2022), $1,100 (reduced from $1,199) 

 Apple MacBook Air (2020), $750 (reduced from $1,000) 


When to buy the 15-inch MacBook Air

15-inch Apple MacBook Air (2023)
Apple via Amazon

The 15-inch MacBook Air is the newest MacBook on the market. The new MacBook offers a larger display while maintaining the sleek, lightweight design that MacBook Air users know and love. The updated laptop includes the powerful Apple M2 chip for ultra-fast processing. It features a fanless design, which Apple says allows the laptop to run almost silently.

The new 15.3-inch MacBook Air starts at $1,299 on Apple's website, but select color options are on sale now at Amazon for $50 off. It's a fairy modest discount, but the MacBook Air M2 is still a very new release, so you likely won't be able to find major savings for a few months (likely around Black Friday)

15.3" Apple MacBook Air (space gray, 256 GB), $1,249 (reduced from $1,299)


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