Buy a MacBook: Key Considerations Before Your Purchase

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Apple products often come with a hefty price tag, and MacBooks and iMacs are no exception. The global memory crisis in 2026 further inflated these costs, making it crucial for consumers to strategize their purchases.

If you want to avoid spending over $1,000 on basic models, there’s good news: You can save significant amounts on Apple laptops or computers throughout the year. While Black Friday is just around the corner and typically features some of the best discounts, it’s not the only opportunity to upgrade without straining your budget.

Our team monitors Apple deals year-round, providing insights into what typically goes on sale and when. We also discern which MacBook offers are genuinely worthwhile and which “discounts” merely reflect standard pricing. Continue reading for our guide on the top three annual opportunities to secure the best prices on a MacBook or iMac, based on our extensive historical data. (If you’re in the market for a Windows laptop, we can guide you on that as well.)

Optimal Timing to Purchase a Mac: Black Friday and Prime Day Opportunities

Best Months: Early to mid-June or July, October through November

Shopping holidays are well-known for being excellent times to save money, but let’s clarify what that means for Apple. The annual Black Friday deal from Apple typically involves buying a laptop or iMac and receiving a gift card for future purchases. While this may sound appealing, it offers limited upfront savings.

For substantial savings during these shopping holidays, look to retailers like Amazon and Best Buy during Black Friday and Prime Day seasons. At first glance, it may seem like you need to mark specific days on your calendar, but these retailers often extend their sales beyond those dates. Expect to see Black Friday deals starting as early as October, with Prime Day savings often available for about a week in June or July. (In 2026, Amazon shifted Prime Day to June, although it typically occurs in early to mid-July.)

In 2025, Amazon extended Prime Day from two to four full days. even if you don’t wish to shop on those specific dates, Amazon and its competitors typically feature deals in the weeks leading up to it. During both sales, it’s common to find discounts of $150 or more on MacBooks, from the entry-level Airs to the high-end Pros.

While these deals are enticing, they can be competitive due to public awareness of these prime shopping times. If you spot a good offer, act quickly. Our recommendation is to have a clear idea of which models you want before these sales begin, and keep a close watch on them.

A noteworthy point is that Black Friday season reliably features initial sales on any new Mac releases from fall. For example, Apple unveiled the M5 MacBook Pro in October, and by Black Friday in November, it was already available for $200 off. While these discounts may not be the deepest you’ll encounter during the lifespan of a product, they are impressive considering the recency of the releases.

Second-best Timing for Mac Purchases: Back-to-school Season

Best Months: June through early October

Apple provides educational pricing throughout the year for current or newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff, and homeschool teachers of all grade levels. This standard offering reduces the price of laptops and computers by $100. While this discount is modest, it is better than paying full price.

During the back-to-school season, Apple enhances this offer by adding an extra incentive from summer through early fall. In previous years, Apple has provided free gift cards with each Mac purchase. In 2025, students, parents, and educators could choose a free Apple accessory valued up to $199 (including options like AirPods with ANC, Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, or a Magic Keyboard). the offerings in 2026 were less appealing, with a maximum of $150 in gift cards on select MacBooks and iPads. Fingers crossed for better back-to-school offers in 2027.

This deal could be especially beneficial if you are considering other Apple products, as the gift card can be utilized effectively. Otherwise, it’s advisable to explore competing back-to-school laptop offers from other retailers. Stores like Amazon and Best Buy typically provide more substantial discounts than Apple to attract the back-to-school market.

Third-best Timing to Buy a Mac: Following New Releases

Timing: Varies

This advice applies not only to Apple products but also to many consumer electronics. Typically, after Apple announces new models, prices for older generations drop.

While this may not fit the traditional definition of a “deal,” it still results in savings. For instance, when Apple announced the 13-inch and 15-inch M3 MacBook Air on March 4, it also introduced a permanent $100 price reduction on the 13-inch M2 Air.

The price of the M2 MacBook Air experienced two reductions following the release of upgraded models. Credit: Apple

The M2 MacBook Air’s price dropped from $1,099 to $999, which may not seem like a huge difference, but if you were already considering purchasing the M2 Air, waiting for the new version allowed you to save at least $100. a new price point sets the stage for even greater discounts during future sales.

You don’t have to wait for a specific model to see a price reduction. Take the M2 MacBook Air as an example: In June 2023, Apple announced the introduction of the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air, starting at $1,299. At that time, the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air was priced at $1,199. The introduction of the larger model led to a price cut for the smaller, slightly older version.

Price reductions are not always set by Apple. The launch of a new Mac often coincides with the discontinuation of an older model. When the M3 Air was released, Apple phased out the 15-inch M2 Air and the M1 Air from 2020. While these models were no longer available at the Apple Store, they could still be found at significant discounts through retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

If you have been following the trends, it’s evident that opting for retailers other than the Apple Store generally yields better savings.

Essential Tips for Cost-effective Mac Purchases

1. Watch for Unexpected Sales

While this guide outlines ideal times to snag a Mac at a discount, it’s important to note that spontaneous, excellent sales can occur without warning.

Planning for these events can be tricky, but rest assured, if a noteworthy Mac sale happens, we will cover it. We recommend keeping up with our deals coverage for the latest information.

2. Some Models Go on Sale More Often

This might be obvious, but certain models see sales more frequently than others. Generally, iMacs are less likely to go on sale compared to MacBooks. configurations above the base specs for MacBooks, especially those with enhanced memory, tend to be harder to find at discounted rates.

This information serves to set realistic expectations as you embark on your quest for a discounted Mac.