When Apple released the M3 MacBook Air earlier this month, it dropped the M1 model from its lineup and positioned the M2 MacBook Air as the new budget option at $999. Now budget buyers have an even cheaper option, with Walmart bringing back the M1 MacBook Air and selling it for $699.
If you’ve eyed the new M3 MacBook Air but balked at Apple’s $1,099 starting price for it, and don’t think the M2 model at $999 is that great a deal either, you’ve likely struck out searching for an M1 MacBook Air on the cheap. It’s been increasingly difficult to find the M1 model in new condition as stock has dwindled at retailers.
You’ve likely encountered more used or refurbished units than new M1 models. I can find only renewed models on Amazon and a handful of open-box listings at Best Buy in various conditions. That’s what makes the M1’s return at Walmart newsworthy. In fact, Walmart will be the exclusive third-party seller of the M1 Air, so don’t expect a price war to break out with Amazon and Best Buy limboing below Walmart’s $699 price tag.
That price is certainly eye-opening and matches the lowest price the M1 MacBook Air ever hit on Amazon. But is it a good buy, considering the age of the laptop and the advances Apple has made moving from the M1 to the M2 and now to the M3 chip?
