You’ve heard about Apple Intelligence, the new suite of AI features coming to Apple’s operating systems. You may have also heard that Apple Intelligence won’t work on every Apple device: Macs require an M-series chip. If you’re still using an Intel MacBook and want to use Apple Intelligence but can’t bring yourself to justify the investment in a new MacBook, you’ll love this deal.
Walmart is offering the 13-inch M1 MacBook Air for $649, the lowest price we’ve ever seen. This model features an M1 chip with an 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, and comes in gold, silver, or space gray. That’s $50 off the recent price drop to $699, but when this model was new it was $999, so this is a $350 discount. This sale is only available on Walmart.com and in select Walmart stores. Walmart+ subscribers have early access until 6 p.m. ET, when it opens to everyone.
Sure, this Walmart sale is for an older machine (it originally launched in November 2020), but it’s the lowest price for a new MacBook M series we’ve ever seen. Apple’s Certified Refurbished store has the same model on sale, but for $759, which is $110 more than the Walmart sale.
If you’re still using an Intel-based MacBook, your entry into the world of M-series Macs is now more affordable, and you’ll be able to use Apple Intelligence features as soon as they’re ready. It’s also a great deal for back-to-school shoppers.
In our 2020 MacBook Air M1 review , we said that “you’ll be amazed by the performance and battery life on display here,” especially if you’re upgrading from an Intel Mac to a newer model. The only major downside to this laptop is that it has a 720p FaceTime camera; Apple has since switched to a 1080p camera. Additionally, the MacBook Air M1 has the old “wedge” design that was replaced when Apple released the MacBook Air M2, which some actually prefer. But beyond the design, you’re getting a fantastic Mac for an incredibly low price, so go for it now.
